Pocono News Section

Bloom Hosts Great American Smokeout Run/Walk

Bloom Hosts Great American Smokeout Run/Walk - Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 5:35PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Sunday, Nov 15, 2009 @ 05:35pm EST
BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- Athletes were pounding the pavement in an effort to snuff out smoking.

Eyewitness News stopped by Bloomsburg University's Great American Smokeout 5k Run/Walk Sunday afternoon.

It's the fifth year for the annual event -- which aims to educate people on the dangers of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Organizer Lauren Heidelbaugh said, "We just want to educate, especially the young ones... about the dangerous effects and the addictive qualities that tobacco has... basically really trying to show them that there's a healthier and much more productive way to live your life."

119 people pre-registered for the run/walk. It was put-on by Bloomsburg's Drug, Alcohol and Wellness Network -- as well as the Running Club.