MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Heart disease remains the number one killer of both men and women, and Rutherford County is no exception. That’s why local organizers are hoping to rally the community on Saturday morning, April 18, 2026, for the Rutherford County Heart Walk at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic on Garrison Drive. Check‑in begins at 8 a.m., and the walk steps off at 9:30 a.m.
The message behind this year’s event is simple, but urgent: in a heartbeat, an everyday person can be the difference between life and death. About 9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital don’t survive, largely because no one nearby starts CPR. Local health leaders say that’s something Rutherford County can change together.
The Heart Walk brings neighbors, families, schools and workplaces together to build a community that’s ready to act in an emergency. Every walker who joins and every dollar donated helps fund CPR training, heart‑health education and research that leads to more lifesaving moments. Organizers say even small steps — learning hands‑only CPR, supporting a team, or simply showing up — can create a ripple effect of hope.
Heart disease continues to take a heavy toll across Tennessee. State health data shows thousands of Tennesseans die each year from heart‑related conditions, and Middle Tennessee’s rapid growth means more people than ever need access to prevention, education and emergency response skills. Local doctors often remind residents that quick action from a bystander is one of the strongest predictors of survival.
This year’s walk emphasizes that extraordinary change starts with ordinary people. Whether you’re walking in honor of a loved one, supporting a survivor, or simply wanting to make Rutherford County a healthier place, organizers say your presence matters.
Registration is open now at rutherfordheartwalk.org. Anyone with questions can reach the Heart Walk team at RutherfordTN@heart.org. Again, the 2026 Rutherford County Heartwalk will take place at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic on Garrison Drive. Check‑in begins at 8 a.m., and the walk steps off at 9:30 a.m.
