LITTLE ROCK, April 18, 2025 – The 2025 Central Arkansas Heart Walk is happening rain or shine on Saturday April 26, at a new location – War Memorial Stadium, an iconic sports and music venue for more than 70 years. The stadium will open at 7:45 a.m. for educational activities and games, followed by the heart-healthy walk at 9 a.m. in the adjacent park.
The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, has hosted the walk for more than two decades and was most recently held at North Shore Riverwalk Park. The location change is meant to give the walk more visibility and bolster success as the Association enters its second century of building healthier communities in and around Little Rock.
“Since the American Heart Association’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half. And yet, there are still so many lives to be saved,” said Nikki Smith, executive director of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas. “By driving breakthroughs in science, policy and care, together, we can continue to advance health and transform lives every day.”
The Little Rock Heart Walk has been a staple event for the American Heart Association since the early 2000s and is considered the premiere event for raising funds to combat heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers of Americans, respectively.
“The Heart Walk is more than just a walk — it's a celebration of heart health and a chance to make a real difference, said Kelly Owen, development director for the Heart Walk. This year, the event will also spotlight the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, aiming to train one person in every household in CPR. By participating, you can help create a community of lifesavers ready to respond to cardiac emergencies.
Walkers may participate in a 1, 2 or 4-mile walk. Adult heart and stroke survivors will be given ball caps designating them as the day’s heart heroes. Child survivors will receive superhero capes. Pets are not allowed. Activities are expected to conclude by 11 a.m.
"We are excited to host the Central Arkansas Heart Walk at War Memorial Stadium," said Owen. "This iconic venue provides a fantastic backdrop for our community to come together, get active, and support a great cause. Plus, with the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, we're empowering individuals to save lives."
Participants can register online at CentralArkansasHeartWalk.org and are encouraged raise funds to support the American Heart Association's mission. Whether walking in honor of a loved one, as a survivor or simply to support heart health, every step makes a difference.
The walk is sponsored by CHI St. Vincent with media support from Alice 107.7, Kid’s Directory and THV11.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
