With the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Young Professionals Board opted to postpone its annual Harlem in the ‘Ham event and in favor of a more socially distanced option.

This past December, MHRC Young Professionals Board hosted the inaugural Holiday Hustle virtual 5K for Healthy Happy Kids (HHK).

Runners, walkers, and crawlers were invited to participate while wearing their wildest, zaniest, and most fun Holiday attire. This virtual event occurred over the course of a week. During this timeframe, participants could run at their own pace, in their own space.

We are grateful to our sponsors for making the Holiday Hustle possible. A big round of applause to Dr. Cameron Askew, Bariatric and General Surgery, Viva Health, The Family Clinic at Children's Health System, Birmingham Infusion, and New Horizen Coaching & Professional Growth Advancement, LLC.

All proceeds went to benefit HHK—a program designed by the MHRC to teach children how good nutrition and an active lifestyle will help them lead healthier lives. Through the course of eight sessions, children in after-school programs learned about healthy eating and active living. The children learn how to make simple and healthy snacks while also learning the importance of exercise, such as volleyball, jumping ropes, and throwing frisbees.

While the idea was forged out of a need to adapt to COVID-19 regulations, it’s an event the YP Board hopes to continue in the future.