Harrity & Harrity is honored to be the Platform Sponsor of the 2023 Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Walk and excited to announce that Co-Founding Partner, John Harrity, will once again chair the event, alongside co-chair David Jaffe, Dean of Students at American University Washington College of Law.

Lawyers Have Heart brings together runners and walkers of all ages and levels of experience to raise vital funds for the American Heart Association (AHA)’s groundbreaking research and medical advances.  The event also raises awareness of the prevention of heart disease and stroke and the link between physical activity and stress reduction.

The Lawyers Have Heart 10K, 5K and Fun Walk returns on May 20, 2023 to West Potomac Park — the original site of the inaugural Lawyers Have Heart race held in 1991 —  an exciting change from Georgetown in recent years. The new 10K course will cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge featuring stunning views of the Potomac River, circle the Tidal Basin, and head down East Potomac Street.  The new location also boasts a larger space for the finish line festival, with plans underway to add more activities for the entire family, including a kids’ fun area, a dog zone, and a larger hospitality garden, in addition to the numerous sponsor meet-up areas and interactive booths where participants can learn Hands-Only CPR, pay tribute to a loved one, and take team photos.  A virtual option is also available for individuals around the globe to participate wherever they are located.

To kickstart fundraising for the 2023 campaign, Harrity & Harrity LLP will match up to $50,000 in sponsorships, donations, and registration fees between December 1 – 31, 2022,  doubling the impact each dollar has.

“We are thrilled to bring the race back full circle to its original location, which allows us to enhance our race day experience and takes our runners and walkers along a beautiful new course,” said Harrity. “This race is truly personal to me as my life was saved by science funded by the American Heart Association and we want to bring in even more people as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”

For Jaffe, the event elevates the continued need for mental health awareness and stress reduction in the legal profession. Research shows that chronic stressors like long work hours, financial stress, and work-life conflict may be as risky for health as secondhand smoke. “Reducing stress and cultivating a positive mindset is truly good for your heart and mind. If I can show my students and colleagues through my actions in supporting and adhering to the AHA’s work, that is extremely valuable,” said Jaffe.

The event began in 1991 as a running and walking event for the legal community and has evolved into a staple on DC’s running calendar, annually attracting over 6,500 runners and walkers of all levels of experience and from all walks of life. The race has grown in the virtual space as well with participation last year from around the world including throughout the United States, England, Croatia, Spain, South Africa, Japan, Turkey and Chile. Lawyers Have Heart raised a record-breaking $1.26 million in 2022. To date, Lawyers Have Heart has raised over $18.26 million to benefit the American Heart Association to further its mission as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

“The race continues to grow beyond our physical start line in DC and it’s incredible to see,” said Jaffe.  “The AHA makes it easy to register, fundraise and share your progress with family and friends through its apps and online platforms while creating  opportunities to engage your workforce and family all year long.”

Registration is open with virtual and in-person options; prices to enter will increase in 2023. Join Team Harrity here or start up your own team at www.LawyersHaveHeartDC.org. For sponsorship opportunities, email patricia.hevia@heart.org.

Follow Harrity on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use #RUNLHH.