“Back in person, cheering each other on”

Cook Winston-Salem sponsors its 7th annual Beat the Heat 5k

On a bright and warm July evening, volunteers and participants came together to raise money, get their steps in, and celebrate in the sunshine at the 2022 Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5k. As one of the most popular races in North Carolina for more than 30 years, and with this year being Cook’s 7th consecutive year being the title sponsor, we are very proud to be a part of this endeavor.

Living up to its name

With virtual race options still available, this year was a return to offering an in-person 5k. Over 700 people, both participants and spectators, attended this family friendly event to experience elite racing, great food, and fun music—all the perfect ingredients to make for a summer night. The tagline for the Cook Medical Beat the Heat is “Healthy Fun for Everyone” and some people couldn’t agree more.

“The Beat the Heat events truly live up to this name in many ways,” said J. Er Ralston, race director. “We welcome all types and levels of participation including 1 mile fun runners, 5k walkers, 5k runners, Ainsley’s Angels, and North Carolina’s fastest elite runners. We’ve raised almost $36,000 over the past 7 years for local charities that support the race mission to promote fitness and health, and to improve the quality of life for individuals and families.”

“Since 2011, 774 people have completed their first 5k race at Beat the Heat. Runners travel from all parts of North Carolina to participate in what is recognized as one of the best 5k races in the state,” J. Er continued. “We are thankful for all the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and other supporters who each play a very important role is putting on this great community event.”

Benefiting charities and bettering the community

Beat the Heat is a charity event with proceeds going to local non-profits that support health and fitness in the local community. We’re thrilled to say that Beat the Heat raised more than $8,000 for charity partners in 2022. This year, the race benefited two local charities: LEAD Girls of NC and Ainsley’s Angels in the Triad.

LEAD Girls of NC envisions a world where every girl has the confidence, social skills, and leadership ability she needs to become an independent, financially stable woman. To learn more about Lead Girls of NC, click here. Ainsley’s Angels in the Triad strives to build awareness about the importance of inclusion, through action, while transforming populations into all-inclusive communities. To learn more about Ainsley’s Angels, click here.

At the race, Ainsley’s Angels got the opportunity to shed light on their mission.

“At Ainsley’s Angels, we believe that everybody deserves to be included in all areas of life,” said Lauren Bruce, senior vice president of partnerships. “We’re really thankful Beat the Heat is showing that community matters, and with today’s funding, we’ll be able to get a second [Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5k] branded chair for our riders. None of this would be possible without Beat the Heat.”

As a part of their inclusivity efforts, Ainsley’s Angels uses specialized running wheelchairs to allow for people of all ages and abilities to participate in the thrill of racing at endurance events. One of these chairs can be seen in the photos on the left, featuring Lauren pushing an individual through the Beat the Heat 5k.

LEAD Girls of NC also got a chance to showcase their commitment to bettering our community.

“As an organization, we’re really excited to partner with Beat the Heat and for the opportunity to continue to spread the mission of LEAD Girls. This is also an opportunity for us, including the girls in our program, to get moving and have a little fun while doing it,” said Joy Nelson Thomas, founder and executive director for LEAD Girls of NC.

Finishing strong together

Cook volunteers took part at the event by running in the race, as well as volunteering at the Cook Medical informational booth, overseeing food and beverage stations, and supporting race participants.

“It’s good to be back in person cheering each other on, accomplishing the ultimate goal: finishing strong together,” said Chris Preston, Manufacturing engineer 2, Continuous Improvement.

Alongside the other 16 sponsors of Beat the Heat, we’re proud to have been part of this community event. We look forward to seeing you there next year!

If you’d like to learn more about the Beat the Heat 5k, click here to check out the fundraiser website.

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Special thanks to Jack Holbrook and James Starr, Corporate Marketing and Communications interns at Cook Winston-Salem who helped put this post together.

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