NIH Record - National Institutes of Health

Minority Health 5K Returns

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Dozens of runners squat during warmup exercises on the lawn.
Participants warm up before the 5K began.

Photo:  Marleen Van Den Neste

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A large group from NIDDK pose outside, in front of Bldg. 1
An enthusiastic group from NIDDK, including NIDDK Director Dr. Griffin Rodgers (standing, c), came out to support the 5K.

Photo:  Marleen Van Den Neste

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Runners navigate through yellow cones along the path.
At the sound of the whistle, the runners led the pack for the 2023 Minority Health 5K.

Photo:  Marleen Van Den Neste

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Perez-Stable stands speaking into microphone at podium outside.
NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable (c) got the event going with opening remarks.

Photo:  Marleen Van Den Neste

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A runner holds arms outstretched in victory as she approaches the finish line; staff hold banners reading: I survived the 5k
NIMHD staff and NIH wellness committee members were on hand to cheer on all the finishers.

Photo:  Marleen Van Den Neste

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Walkers approach finish line.
Walkers were all smiles as they climbed the last hill before the finish line.

Photo:  Marleen Van Den Neste

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Exhibitors talk with runners at information tables outside under tent.
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the NIH Blood Bank were among exhibitors who sent representatives to speak with participants and distribute information material.

Photo:  Marleen Van Den Neste

On Apr. 18 with picture-perfect weather and almost 400 registered participants, an NIH tradition—the Minority Health 5K—made its return. The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) hosts the event as part of National Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations. 

NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable gave opening remarks for the event, held on NIH’s Bethesda campus for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

The 2023 theme for National Minority Health Month is “Better Health Through Better Understanding,” and focuses on how meeting cultural and linguistic needs can improve health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations.—Shelly Pollard

The NIH Record

The NIH Record, founded in 1949, is the biweekly newsletter for employees of the National Institutes of Health.

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Associate Editor: Dana Talesnik
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Staff Writer: Amber Snyder
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