Preventing Injuries with Every Step 5K Brings CPH Community Together

The University of Kentucky College of Public Health (CPH) in partnership with the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) hosted the Preventing Injuries with Every Step 5K on Sept. 14 at the City of Lexington’s Coldstream Park More than 70 runners, walkers, and virtual participants came together on a warm September afternoon to enjoy movement and celebrate community 

The race commemorates 20 years of CPH’s impact on public health and offered a fun, active way for students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate the start of the new semester. Participants tackled a flat, fast course along the Legacy Trail that ended at injury-prevention stations promoting safe running and hydration. The stations highlighted how small, everyday habits, from wearing visibility devices to keeping hydrated, can help prevent injuries in daily life. Even a few four-legged friends joined their owners on the run, adding to the lively community atmosphere. 

The race featured chip timing by RaceRise, with awards presented to the top three male and female overall finishers.  All participants received a commemorative T-shirt sponsored by personal injury law firm Hicks & Funfsinn, PLLC, as well as free race photos. Families enjoyed a free Kid’s Dash for children aged nine and under, while Beverly Ann’s Cookie Truck offered ice cream and cookies to participants, adding a sweet finish to the day’s festivities. 

“This was a great way to kick off the semester by bringing together our students, faculty, staff, and community,” said Amber Kizewski, Director of Operations at the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), which is housed in CPH and manned the hydration and visibility stations. “It was inspiring to see everyone come together around wellness and injury prevention.” 

Participants spanned multiple generations, from the six-year-old Kid's Dash winner to 87-year-old Bernie Cornett of Nicholasville, KY, who completed the 5K run/walk, proving age is no barrier to staying active. 

Waveney Brooks, a Bachelor of Public Health student said, “Doing this 5K seemed like a great way to support a good cause and push myself, and having my partner train alongside me made it fun. I’m really proud we followed through.” 

Brooks added, “I loved seeing the ambassadors dancing at the start and grabbing those little slap reflective bracelets at the injury-prevention table. The dogs were adorable, and watching older runners, clearly committed to staying active, inspired me. It was hot, but doing something good with great people made every step worthwhile.” 

Full race results are available here, and event photos can be found here.