Some 150 runners and walkers gathered at Griffith Park on Sunday morning, July 12, for a community 5K Fun Run & Walk, taking nearly one million steps in support of healthier living, stronger communities and positive personal choices.

Organized by Stacy Kitchens of The Way to Happiness Foothills Chapter in partnership with The Way to Happiness Foundation International, the “Happy Miles” 5K event brought together runners, walkers, families, children and community members of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, encourage one another and celebrate the importance of taking care of oneself.

Collectively, participants took approximately 975,000 steps over the five-kilometer course – nearly one million steps toward building a healthier community. Based on an average of about 6,500 steps per participant over a 5K distance, the event demonstrated how many individual choices can combine to create a meaningful community achievement.

“This event wasn’t about competition,” said organizer Kitchens. “It was about community. It was about encouraging one another. It all begins with one decision – the decision to take that first step.”

The event opened with remarks from Ludwig Alpers, president of The Way to Happiness Foundation International, who spoke about the importance of personal responsibility for one’s health and well-being.

“Every healthy community begins with people deciding to take care of themselves,” said Alpers. “One good decision, repeated over time, becomes a better life.”

The event reflected the first precept in The Way to Happiness – “Take Care of Yourself.” Participants were encouraged to view health not as perfection or competition, but as a series of positive decisions that anyone can make, one step at a time.

Glendale resident Peace Grimaldi said, “The Happy Miles 5K was really fun! It was a beautiful morning to get out and get some exercise, and for a good cause. It was a nice social activity too. It was nice being around so many excited and happy people!”

Throughout the morning, participants enjoyed the scenic setting of Griffith Park while encouraging one another and demonstrating that community health begins with individual action. Organizers expressed their appreciation to the volunteers, supporters and every participant whose enthusiasm helped make the event a success.

Submitted by The Way to Happiness Foundation International