Churchill Downs announced the opening of a public auction for 19 runners to race each other over the iconic strip to raise awareness and money for the American Heart Association- Louisville (AHA). The winner of “Heart Race at the Track” will win two tickets to the 145th Kentucky Derby in May 2019. All proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association-Louisville.
The race, which will take place Nov. 21 at 11 a.m, will begin at the starting gate and run the Kentucky Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance to the finish line. The public can bid to gain a berth or check on the 19 runners who have made the cut Nov. 19 at www.KentuckyDerby.com/HeartRace .
The race is part of AHA's new Queen of Hearts campaign, highlighted by the Heart Ball, the AHA's annual fundraising event, which nominates community leaders who exemplify a healthier Kentuckiana to be Queen of Hearts candidates to help raise money and awareness to reduce heart disease and stroke. Each Queen of Hearts candidate has committed to raising a minimum of $10,000 to support AHA's mission. The candidate who raises the most money will be crowned the Queen of Hearts at the 27th annual Heart Ball Feb. 9, 2019.
Churchill Downs' Vice President of Partnerships Kristin Warfield is a Queen of Hearts candidate who helped organize the “Heart Race at the Track” to raise money and awareness for AHA. She will fill the 20th spot in the race but is not eligible for the winning prize of two Derby tickets.
“I'm extremely honored to be a Queen of Hearts candidate,” Warfield said. “Helping people live healthier lives and understand the importance of heart health are issues that are important to me personally. I've made many changes in my diet and exercise during the past year to live healthier and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than support the American Heart Association through Heart Race at the Track.”
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