Tennis and running mean exercise for everyone.
The Southern Tennis Foundation (STF) is touting the Run For Racquets 5K event, a virtual race with a local impact and tennis to top it off.
The 5k is virtual, allowing participants to run or walk on their own between February 26-28. Registration is $25 per person. Residents of the nine-state United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southern Section are encouraged to have fun, be healthy and help grow tennis in their community.
For every 5K registrant in USTA Southern, a tennis racquet will be donated to a local tennis organization, which includes USTA-affiliated community tennis associations (CTAs) and National Junior Tennis and Learning chapters (better known as NJTLs). Participants can challenge their family and friends to join, along with making additional donations.
CTAs provide the underlying support for all tennis programs in a community. Dedicated volunteers and professionals raise funds, promote programs and publicize local tennis activities to ensure that tennis maintains strong roots in the communities. The USTA’s NJTL network is a nationwide group of community organizations seeking to develop the character of young people through tennis and education. NJTLs are geared to focus on under-served communities.
The event is scheduled in February to coincide with American Health Month. Tennis is recognized as the top sport for health benefits with studies showing the life-expectancy of tennis players is increased by 9.7 years. Additionally, playing racquet sports decreased the risk of death by 56 percent.
