State Health Director Randall Williams, MD, and North Carolina Highway Patrol Director of Training Maj. Glenn McNeill invite state employees to join them for a 5K run this Friday, Nov. 11, to honor fallen veterans in the Veterans’ Day Run coordinated by the N.C. State University Reserve Officer Training Corps.
“Running supports a healthy lifestyle and is a great way to bring communities together,” Williams said. “Parents can bring their children and model active behavior, friends can encourage and support one another in leading healthier lifestyles; while also honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
Williams recently joined the N.C. Highway Patrol for its 10th Annual Patrol Stroll on Sept. 24 in Garner. The stroll benefits Mothers Against Drunk Driving. For the stroll, Williams ran with Maj. Glenn McNeill, the patrol’s director of training. The two have decided to partner again to raise support for the Veterans’ Day run and promote running as a healthy exercise.
“As both an Army veteran and a state employee, I could not think of any better way to spend Veterans’ Day than to participate in this event to honor fallen veterans and promote physical fitness,” said McNeill. “I would like to extend the invitation to all of my fellow state troopers and law enforcement officers across the state to come join us, show their support and have fun in the Veterans’ Day Run.”
Runners assemble at the Memorial Belltower, on Pullen Road and Hillsborough Street at 5:45 a.m. The run begins at 6 a.m., with Reserve Officer Training Corps detachments leading in formation. The tower was built in 1937 as a memorial at N.C. State to those who died in France during World War I.
The run honors the men and women who have previously or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. The run includes fund-raising for the United Service Organizations (USO), the non-profit that provides programs, services and entertainment to U.S. service members and their families. Donations may be made online at https://www.crowdrise.com/nc-state-rotc-veterans-day-run/fundraiser/andrewjones18.
Running regularly has many health advantages, including:
- Decreases memory loss in the elderly, promotes growth of brain cells
- Increases mental sharpness
- Eases symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Prevents muscle and bone loss
- Fights early stages of dangerous diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer, hypertension
- Burns calories, promotes weight loss
- Reduces risks of fatal diseases in the elderly by 50 percent
- Improves quality of life