The Pike County Chapter of the American Heart Association will host the 2017 Pike County Heart Walk from 5 until 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Troy Recreation Center.

The Pike County Heart Walk is the chapter’s culminating event for the annual fundraising and awareness campaign in support of the American Heart Association, said Tracey Davis, event co-chair.

“The Heart Walk recognizes the survivors of heart disease and stroke and celebrates their victories as well as raising funds in the continuing fight against the disease that is the number one killer of women and men in our country,” Davis said. “The Heart Walk is a family event beginning with the recognition of the survivors of heart disease and stroke.”

The Heart Walk and children’s activities will be from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. The Walk will be held on the indoor recreation center’s walking track and the children’s activities will be downstairs.

“This year will be different as our walk will beheld prior to the meal being served,” said Teresa Doty, co-chair. “This will give everyone time to get their laps in and the results can be tallied while the heart-healthy food is being served. In order to comply with the rules set by the Troy Recreation Department for the indoor walking track, walkers must be at least 15 years old to be on the track without and adult.  So to quality for the walking prizes, you must be 15 years old or older.”

The grand prize of $250 will be awarded to the walker who makes the most laps in the one-hour time limit.

Luther Messick has been the perennial winner and will be seeking to hold on to his title.

The names of those who walk from one to nine laps and those who walk from 10 to 19 laps will be entered in drawings for prizes.

“In order to include children in the annual Heart Walk, the 2017 Heart Walk will feature a kids’ corner with games and prizes for children through age 15,” Doty said.

Due to the number of walkers on the track at one time, event organizers are asking that children who want to walk on the track be accompanied by an adult and under their supervision. During the time of the walk, no strollers or wagons will be allowed due the heavy traffic on the track.

At 6:30 p.m., everyone will be invited to come together for a meal and a time of fellowship.

Entertainment for the 2017 Pike County Heart Walk will be by the Pike County High School Jazz Band.

There is no admission charge to the Pike County Heart Walk. Donations to the annual fundraiser are greatly needed and much appreciation.