Going Red: JU rowing team to host 24-hour American Heart Association marathon Feb. 1

Jacksonville University will have a distinctive role in the community-wide American Heart Association “National Wear Red Day” events on Friday, Feb. 1: The Negaard Rowing Center is hosting a 24-hour rowing marathon.

Beginning at noon Friday, the men’s and women’s rowing teams and members of the Brooks Rehabilitation Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program will continuously row on indoor machines called “ergometers” to raise awareness for women’s heart health. The event is called “24 Strokes for Heart Ergathon.”

JU Rowing coach Jim Mitchell said the rowing teams have established a goal of rowing more than 1 million meters – 621 miles – over the 24 hours.

“Rowing is one of the best cardio-vascular exercises to be done,” Mitchell said. “This event gives our rowing programs an opportunity to help people become more aware of the work the American Heart Association is doing for heart health, and help people become healthier. I see it as a win-win for all involved.”

JU students and community members are invited to participate or enjoy the festivities spectators. Donations are encouraged, but not required.

Click here to register for the Jacksonville University event or contact JU’s Jim Mitchell at jmitche3@ju.edu or (904) 860-7224 for more information.

Click here for information on the Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program.

Heart disease is the top killer of women and men; in 2010, the First Coast lost 3,371 residents to heart diseases or stroke. National Wear Red Day kicks off American Heart Month, a fund- and awareness-raising campaign.

The following National Wear Red Day events also will be held Friday in Jacksonville:

• Main Street Bridge Go Red Event. 7-8:30 a.m. Wear the wildest red you own and stand with the First Coast Go Red Team to wave at people entering and exiting downtown Jacksonville. Participants should meet at the base of the Main Street Bridge on the north side of the river at Bay and Main streets.
• Go Red Happy Hour. 7-9 p.m. Celebrate in your best red at the Blackfinn American Grille, 4840 Big Island Drive in the St. Johns Town Center.

The following American Heart Month activities also are scheduled in the Jacksonville area in February:

• Jacksonville Goes Red Photo Challenge. Decide how you want to go red, do it, snap it, and post it on the American Heart Association’s Facebook page at www.facebook/AHAFirstCoast, and get your friends to vote on it. The top prize is a catered lunch by Seasons 52 for you and 24 of your favorite friends. Suggestions for going red include: Go Red yard signs, red luminaires, host a Go Red block party, hang a red wreath or ribbon on your door. Complete contest rules are available at www.Facebook.com/AHAFirstCoast or by calling (904) 256-5710.
• Strive to Revive: Overcoming Challenges of In-Hospital Resuscitation Regional Workshop. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Renaissance World Golf Resort and Convention Center. For information, contact Kathy Fenelon at Kathy.fenelon@heart.org or (727) 563-8085.
• Pulse: The second annual First Coast Young Professionals Party. 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, BlackFinn American Grille. Pulse is held to raise funds and awareness of children’s heart health issues. Tickets and information are available at www.heart.org/FirstCoastHeartBall.