For Immediate Release:
November 21, 2012

New Bedford Santa Run to benefit Southcoast Health System's Cardiac Prevention Program

All proceeds to support cardiac prevention, education and screenings

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The second annual Santa Sightings 5-kilometer Fun Run in downtown New Bedford is fast approaching with this year's race expected to draw up to 3,000 running Santas, all to benefit Southcoast Health System's Cardiac Prevention Program.

The Santa Run will take place Saturday, December 8, at 11 a.m. and will start at New Bedford City Hall on the corner of William and Pleasant Street. The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) fun run is open to all levels of runners, walkers and people who simply love the holiday season. All registered runners will receive their own Santa suit to wear during the race.

With more than 1,500 participants in the 2011 inaugural run, the field is expected to nearly double in 2012. Proceeds from this year's run will benefit Southcoast Health System's Cardiac Prevention program to support cardiac prevention, education and screenings for residents in the South Coast region.

"The Santa Sightings Fun Run is a one-of-a-kind experience where family, friends, children and adults get together to celebrate the holidays and share in the holiday spirit," said Geoffrey Smith, the Race Director and a former two-time Boston Marathon winner. "It is in this spirit of giving that we are proud to announce our support for the Southcoast Cardiac Prevention program, which is so vital to the South Coast community."

To register, visit www.thesightings.com. Registration through Thursday, December 6, is free for children seven and under (no suit provided), $20 for children ages 8 to 12, $30 for teens ages 13 to 17 and $40 for adults. Registration closes at the end of day on Thursday, December 6.

Southcoast Cardiac Prevention

Heart disease is the number one health problem on the South Coast. Tens of thousands of people in the South Coast region suffer from heart disease. The mortality rate from heart disease in our region is considerably higher than the state average.

Southcoast's Cardiac Prevention program has provided screenings and education to over 50,000 residents since its inception over ten years ago. The program is staffed with a comprehensive health team that includes a full-time registered nurse trained in risk factor assessments including lipids, tobacco abuse, hypertension, diabetes, stress, obesity and obtaining family history, and a full-time registered dietician who performs cholesterol and lipid screening as well as dietary instruction on heart healthy nutrition.