Campus News

Register for Self-Care Shuffle Virtual 5K

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2020) — Regular exercise at any time helps improve strength, balance, mobility and cardiovascular health. During the holidays, taking time for physical activity is especially important. Whether you run or walk, go outside or run up and down stairs inside, moving improves both your physical and emotional health. The American Heart Association recommends adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity per week.

To encourage University of Kentucky employees to keep active during December, UK HR Health and Wellness is holding the Self-Care Shuffle Virtual 5K. You can complete your 5K any time between Dec. 6 and Dec. 12.

“Physical activity has more than just health benefits; it has mental benefits as well,” said Carrie Davidson, exercise specialist for UK HR Health and Wellness. “If you are feeling overwhelmed or stuck in rut, try getting out to finish that 5K! You don’t have to run, you can walk, push a stroller, bring the dog or bring a friend along on the phone. The beautiful thing about a virtual 5K is it’s less competitive and more fun, so you can be more flexible in how, when and where you get it done.” 

Register and pick up your packet by Dec. 6. You will also receive a Fit Kit — a drawstring bag with a jump rope and a light to help you stay on track. You can pick them up at MoveWell at 1020 Export during operating hours (6 to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday or 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday). If you are out of town, they can be mailed to you. Just email your information. 

Make it a new holiday family tradition! Make sure to physically distance and use masks when necessary.

After you finish your 5K, report your time here and you will be entered for additional prizes.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.