WEDNESDAY, July 10, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- Get on your running shoes and join the pursuit of stroke prevention.
The American Stroke Association wants participants for Train to End Stroke, a marathon training and fundraising program. Information sessions are being held this month at participating American Stroke Association/American Heart Association sites across the United States.
Train to End Stroke involves four to five months of training under the guidance of experienced coaches provided by the American Stroke Association. The program also includes clinics on nutrition, injury prevention and emotional/mental preparation.
At the end of the training program, participants can run or walk in a full (26.2 miles) or half (13.1 miles) marathon. They'll be held Dec. 7 in Negril, Jamaica, and Jan. 12, 2003, at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
Participants who reach the program's goals get free airfare, hotel accommodations and marathon entry fee, along with pasta parties and victory celebrations.
You don't need to be a marathon runner to take part in Train to End Stroke. Even couch potatoes can do it. You do have to be 15 or older, and anyone under age 18 has to have a parent or guardian take part with them.
More information
Phone 1-888-4-STROKE or go to the American Stroke Association for details.
Train to End Stroke started last year, and has raised more than $4 million. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability. Someone suffers a stroke every 53 seconds and dies of a stroke every 3.3 minutes in the United States.
