For decades, the Bill Gregory Health Care Classic has attracted employers, providers, church groups and individuals to participate in the event’s 2K, 5K and 10K races. Initially, the event was strictly coordinated by Hamilton Health Care System’s Bradley Wellness Center (BWC), but in 1996 the race became a collaboration between …
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For decades, the Bill Gregory Health Care Classic has attracted employers, providers, church groups and individuals to participate in the event’s 2K, 5K and 10K races. Initially, the event was strictly coordinated by Hamilton Health Care System’s Bradley Wellness Center (BWC), but in 1996 the race became a collaboration between BWC and the Northwest Georgia Health Care Partnership. In June 2006, Dr. Bill Gregory, a local Dalton physician who spent his career taking care of his patients and promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles, was tragically killed in a bicycling accident. In 2007, to honor Dr. Gregory and to serve as an inspiration to continue the community’s work of promoting permanent healthy lifestyle changes, the name of the race was changed from the “Health Care Classic” to the “Bill Gregory Health Care Classic.” Today, the race is often simply and affectionately called “The Bill Gregory.”
Although the current event offers 2K, 5K and 10K races, the Classic originally hosted only a 5K and a 1-mile race. It wasn’t until the 2000 “Millennium” Classic when it became a 5K and 2K timed race to allow more opportunities for younger generations to become active and compete. In more recent years, the Bill Gregory added a 10K race for participants. From 541 participants in 1996 to over 3,000 registrations prior to COVID-19 pandemic, the Bill Gregory has grown tremendously in participation and popularity.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic halted this iconic race in 2020, Live4It Community has picked up the torch and is carrying the event forward. Live4It Community is a non-profit 501(c)3 which strives to enhance and improve lifestyle and environment through collaboration with health care entities, local employers, school systems, community and faith-based organizations. Live4It Community’s goal is to create a community-wide language around Live4It’s four key concepts to help our community live a longer, healthier and happier life:
- Lifestyle & Environment
- Invest in One Another
- Value Preventive Health
- Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Join Live4It Community to celebrate the race’s 40th Anniversary, the legacy of Dr. Bill Gregory, and our community’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
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