More than 300 people participated in Saturday's Nyack Hospital Foundaion 5K Walk/Run in support of the hospital's Community Health Education Team and its Lose to Win weight loss program.

The event included local running enthusiasts as well as members of the community who wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous fall day for a healthy jaunt up Midland Avenue and back in Nyack.

Participants signed up at 8 a.m. for the event, took part in a group warm-up session at the hospital and then lined up at Midland Avenue near Sickles Avenue for the start of the race. For 2011, a 5K event was selected to spark greater participation.

The event is designed to highlight health-improvement efforts of the Community Health Education and Lose to Win programs.

The Community Helath Education effort includes diabetes education, a flu shot program, health fairs and a speakers bureau in which health educators speak on topics including diabetes, stroke awareness, hypertension, heart health and nutrition.

The Lose to Win program is an eight-week class for adults 18 and older, focusing on nutrition, exercise and behavior changes. Lose to Win classes are offered throughout Rockland at locations including Nyack Hospital, Rockland County YMCA, libraries and community facilities.