More than 100 Cincinnati Residents Run/Walk 400 Miles in June to Support Lung Health, Fund COVID-19 Initiative

Last month, more than 100 people walked and ran almost 400 miles as a part of the American Lung Association in Ohio’s LUNG FORCE Run/Walk. The event raised more than $20,000 to fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease and support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative.

The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is a virtual fundraising event where participants run or walk one mile, a 5K, 10K, or a half marathon in one trip or spread out their chosen distance over the entire month. The event was originally set for May 15 at the Voice of America MetroPark but was changed to a virtual event because of COVID-19 concerns. Participants received a digital, customizable race bib to wear and after their walk or run, received a 2020 LUNG FORCE Run/Walk medal.

“Due to concerns surrounding the global pandemic, we quickly pivoted to a virtual event this year, but still saw a tremendous outpouring of support and participation from the local community,” said Laura Metzler, executive director for the Lung Association. “Thank you to all of our participants and sponsors who came together to make a difference in the lives of people facing lung disease, lung cancer and COVID-19.”

In total, the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk resulted in:

• 101 registered participants
• 21 teams
• 397 miles completed
• $20,224.00 raised and counting.

Money raised at the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk funds the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung disease. It also supports the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative, a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

More information is available at LUNGFORCE.org/Cincinnati.