LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Louisville American Heart Association will hold a virtual heart derby Saturday, May 2. They say this is to help fill the place in people's hearts that will be empty dur to the postponement of the Kentucky Derby.
The 146th Kentucky Derby was moved from May 2 to September 5, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a virtual heart derby, the American Heart Association is urging people to get out and walk the traditional 10 furlongs (1.25 miles), encouraging heart health, while also practicing social distancing.
Those participating are encouraged to share their photos on social media using #AVAVirtualDerby and tag the Louisville American Heart Association's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Rick Zamora, chair of the 2020 Kentuckiana Heart Walk, said, “The Kentucky Derby is the heartbeat of Louisville. Though the Derby will not be taking place on the first Saturday of May this year, we wanted to provide people in our great city with a way to celebrate the tradition while helping others and supporting their own heart health.”
The virtual heart derby will also include a Derby Hat Auction to get people prepared for the real Kentucky Derby to take place on September 5. The auction ends at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. Proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.
