Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation and Methodist University recently announced their partnership for this year's Step Up 4 Health and Wellness Expo. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Methodist University’s campus.

This is the second year for this Step Up 4 Health and Wellness Expo, presented by Cumulus Media, which evolved from the Foundation’s longtime community event called the Ribbon Walk. Last year’s event, which was held at Festival Park in Downtown Fayetteville, drew 750 participants and over 60 vendors in the Wellness Expo. 

“In 2022, we expanded our previous Ribbon Walk to the Step Up 4 Health & Wellness Expo and were able to support more programs at Cape Fear Valley Health,” said Vice President of the Foundation Sabrina Brooks in a press release. “We are looking forward to growing our partnership with Methodist University and are eager to hold this year’s event on their campus.” 

The expanded event will still include a 4k and a 1-mile race through Methodist University campus, as well as more activities throughout the Wellness Expo, which will be located at the Duggins Soccer Stadium. Participants can join as teams or individuals. 

“Methodist University is pleased to continue its strong partnership with the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation and ‘step up’ for an even larger role for this wonderful community event,” said MU President Stanley T. Wearden in a press release. “MU is a perfect location for with the Expo at our newly renovated soccer stadium and the walking/running events through our 600-plus acre, beautifully landscaped campus along the banks of the Cape Fear River.” 

The early-bird registration fee to run or walk in the main event is $25 for adults or $20 for children under the age of 12 through March 15. There is no cost or registration needed to attend the Wellness Expo. All registered participants will receive a t-shirt. To register, go online to www.cfvfoundation.org/stepup4health.

After the event kick-off at 10 a.m. the Wellness Expo will begin. This health-related educational festival will feature informational booths on many Cape Fear Valley Health services as well as food trucks, music, and sponsor tables. Participants can learn about hands-only CPR, get free wellness checks and receive other goodies.

Participants in the 4k or 1-mile routes can still choose Friends of the Cancer Center as the beneficiary of their registration fee if they wish to continue their traditional support from the original Ribbon Walk. Runners and walkers can also choose to support Children’s Services, the Community Alternatives Program, Cumberland County Medication Access Program or Heart Care. 

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, which include an opportunity for a sponsor’s booth at the event. For more information on sponsorships, contact Kristen Carpenter at 910-615-1514, or ksellan@capefearvalley.com.