The “Walk or Run to Quit” is coming to Sudbury for its second year.
The program, available across Canada, helps participants replace smoking with a healthier activity, learning to walk or run 5 km.
Research has found that becoming physically active increases a person’s chances of quitting since exercise helps curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The Sudbury clinic opens on Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Sudbury Running Room.
"The program is designed to allow participants to go at their own pace. Not only do they have the support of the program, they also receive support from other smokers in the group who are going through similar challenges," said Running Room manager Barry Smith.
“Seeing how the program works first-hand allowed me to witness participant’s accomplishments and how the support and resources provided help them to achieve the goals they set for themselves.”
Walk or Run to Quit combines the know how of the Canadian Cancer Society and the walking/running expertise of the Running Room with partial funding support of the Public Health Agency of Canada. Notable facts:
It takes the average smoker multiple attempts before finally quitting. In 2017 over half of participants interviewed reported being non-smokers six months after completing the training program.
Participants also continue to run, on average, three times a week. Smith says the program offers participants a step-by-step approach.
“Every week we take the distance a little further and folks are amazed at how, little by little, they smoke less and become more and more active," he said.
To reach as many smokers as possible, the weekly coach-led program has expanded in 2018 to 100 Running Room locations across Canada in addition to the virtual training option, which allows participants to do the program at their own schedule no matter where they live.
“We were happy to see that participants really embraced exercise,” said Karen Kuzmich, Senior Coordinator Walk or Run to Quit, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario.
“As well as a learning to walk or run plan, participants get quit smoking support including a Canadian Cancer Society guidebook and offer of support from their provincial quit smoking helpline.”
Locally, the 10-week training programs will be held at Running Room Sudbury (Cedar Pointe Plaza 117, 1984 Regent St.) starting Monday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.
Virtual training opens on Aug. 13 across the country.
Registration for Walk or Run to Quit is now open and available in all provinces across Canada. To register or learn more, visit runtoquit.com.
