The Heart Walk activity tracker app makes it easy to log your minutes each day. (contributed)

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2022 Birmingham Heart Walk will be in person for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. The event is Saturday, June 11, at 9 a.m. at Railroad Park and offers a chance for people to get moving while continuing to raise lifesaving funds.

The pandemic caused the event to be held virtually the past two years, so excitement is already building for AHA staff and supporters as they prepare to join again in support of vital research and programs provided by the nonprofit.

“We are thrilled to be back in person for the 2022 Birmingham Heart Walk,” said Lizzie Willicott, AHA executive director. “The past two years have shown us that our health is more important than ever, and the Heart Walk is all about promoting the health and well-being of our community and supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association. We look forward to bringing Birmingham back together for such an important cause.”

Leading up to the event, participants are encouraged to track their activity through the “Move More Challenge” using the free Heart Walk activity tracker app that can be downloaded from Apple or Google app stores. Once registered, users have 30 days to log minutes, and any activity counts. Top movers and fundraisers will be recognized on Heart Walk day.

All funds raised from the Birmingham Heart Walk return to Alabama to fund local research and educational programs. During fiscal 2021-22, the AHA has been able to fund more than $11 million in research projects in Alabama thanks in part to events like the Birmingham Heart Walk. The educational programs raise awareness for cardiovascular diseases and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 4 killers of Alabamians, respectively.

To learn more about the 2022 Birmingham Heart Walk or to register, click here.