The Bristol Half & Half is Back and it’s Even Better

Some may not be able to run, some may not be able to walk, but we can all volunteer!

I have a very holistic view of wellness. It is not just about exercise and nutrition, admittedly that is a big part of being well, but there is more. Many people neglect the other dimensions of wellness, such as emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, and occupational. Each dimension helps us to be well mentally, physically, and spiritually. Neglecting one area of wellness to achieve excellence in another area of wellness may leave us out of balance and missing out on a well-rounded lifestyle.

We know that walking and running are great for our wellbeing but what about volunteering. Studies have shown that people who donate their time by volunteering to help others do indeed ward off loneliness and depression in their own lives. People who donate their time feel more socially connected, involved, and needed. But does it even go further than that? According to an article written on June 26, 2013 by Stephanie Watson, Executive Editor, Harvard Women’s Health Watch (Harvard School of Medicine), a growing body of evidence suggests that people who give their time to others might also be rewarded with better physical health—including lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan. So volunteering can help you with emotional and social wellness.

So leave it to me, I am going to give you the opportunity to practice holistic wellness! Bristol is just full of opportunities to practice your wellness habits. As I mentioned you can run, walk, or volunteer. This wellness opportunity is coming to Bristol. The 4th annual Bristol Half & Half marathon will be making its way to the streets of our town on April, 9 2016. This event is very unique because it brings together the finest of two states, Virginia and Tennessee. This half-marathon event is also unique in that you can choose to run the full half marathon or run it in a two person relay. The starting line is at Virginia High School and the finish line is at the Stone Castle at Tennessee High School. If you choose to run it as a team, the transition point is right beside the First Baptist Church on State Street. As if that wasn’t cool enough, there is also a pasta dinner and bluegrass entertainment the night before at the registration pick up on Friday night for all participants and volunteers.

Electro Mechanical Corporation is the signature sponsor for this event and works together with other sponsors to make this a wonderful event for our community. The money raised from the Bristol Half & Half goes to support your local American Cancer Society. A big thank-you to Electro-mechanical Corporation and all the sponsors that make this race possible!

There are two new additions to this year’s Bristol Half and Half that I am really excited to announce. One is a 5k walk and the other is a virtual runner. The untimed 5k will allow all you walkers out there a chance to join us in this community event and raise money for the American Cancer Society. The virtual runner will make a contribution in honor of a loved one that has been effected by cancer or just to show your support for the American Cancer Society.

Over the last two years alone this event has raised over $110,000 to support the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Let’s make this year the biggest yet!

If you are interested in participating in any way this year, you can get all of the information you need at www.bristolhalfnhalf.com.

See you at the Bristol Half and Half!