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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Partners With University of Alabama for 2023 Crimson Couch to 5k Event

— Tuscaloosa, Alabama 

Clouds and rain cleared just in time for more than 250 runners and walkers on the University of Alabama campus to experience the 13th running of the Crimson Couch to 5k event. 

For the first time in the event’s history, the start and finish line stood at the footsteps of Bryant-Denny stadium, known as the “Walk of Champions.”

Participants had the chance for photos with Alabama’s famous mascot, “Big Al,” before and after the start of the event. 

“We’ve always had it at the recreation center, but we just really wanted to tie in the community and get the students. They are always behind football, so with the Walk of Champions at the front of the stadium it has really turned out to be a good start to a new tradition that we will have,” said Carolyn MacVicar, Manager for Wellness and Work Life for The University of Alabama. 

The University of Alabama’s wellness program “WellBama” kicked off a training program five weeks ago that culminated in the final piece of the program with today’s 5k run. 

“Our wellness program, WellBama, is a holistic program that focuses on physical and emotion wellbeing. It’s focused on the total employee as well as the student,” said Susan Norton, Senior Vice President for Human Resources and first-time runner in the event.  “The event focuses on how can we get individuals off the couch and into running or walking because this is an event for running and walking.”

Running and walking: two things that can play a substantial part in overall wellness in anyone’s life. 

“It’s life-changing because I’m in better health mentally and physically. It just gives you a chance to get out and be with yourself and your higher power and just enjoy and be thankful for all the blessings we have,” said Director of the Alabama Center for Real Estate, Grayson Glaze. 

“It can be really hard for employees and students to meet their activity goals during the workday and throughout the week, so we just try and give them opportunities to set goals to be active which leads to healthier employees,” said MacVicar.

The University of Alabama’s Crimson Couch to 5k event is just another example of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s commitment to health and wellness activities across the state. 

“We value that partnership, and Blue Cross has its own commitment to well-being with its own work force, and so they bring that expertise to the work forces they support. It’s just a terrific partnership,” said Norton. 

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