Community comes together for Parkinson’s Beat It 5K in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Around 200 people gathered Saturday morning at The Pointe at Barclay for the Parkinson’s Beat It 5K and 1 Mile event supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease.

The race began at 8 a.m. outside Brunches at The Pointe and benefited Beat Parkinson’s Today, a nonprofit organization that provides exercise-based programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Participants could choose between a 5K run or a one-mile walk. WWAY’s Matt Bennett participated in the one-mile event alongside community members of all ages.

Organizers say the goal of the event was not only to raise money, but also awareness about the benefits of movement and exercise for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Beat Parkinson’s Today offers evidence-based exercise classes focused on improving balance, strength, mobility, and confidence. The organization says the programs help people manage symptoms while also building community and support.

Organizers say proceeds from the race will help keep classes affordable and support expansion into additional communities through the nonprofit’s growing satellite program.