Published April 17, 2026 at 7:00 AM | By Vivek Wang, Health & Outdoors Writer
Spartanburg holds its first-ever American Heart Association Heart Walk today at Fifth Third Park, with the event scheduled from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. The 2026 Upstate Heart Walk marks a milestone for the Spartanburg community — bringing the AHA’s flagship awareness and fundraising walk to the home of the Hub City Spartanburgers for the first time.
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is among the event’s primary supporters, with the hospital system encouraging the community to join in what organizers call an effort to “unite, take action, and save lives.” The goal is to have one person trained in CPR for every household served by the walk’s community.
Heart Disease in the Upstate
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in South Carolina and the United States. The American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk series raises funds for cardiovascular research, CPR training programs, and community health education. For Spartanburg County, where Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System operates the region’s primary cardiac care unit, awareness campaigns like the Heart Walk support the hospital’s broader preventive health mission.
The Mary Black Foundation, which has invested millions in Spartanburg County health and wellness initiatives, has been a long-term partner in community health programming across the Upstate. Today’s walk connects to a broader ecosystem of local health investment that includes fitness trails along the Spartanburg Area Conservancy greenways, the growing wellness economy in downtown Spartanburg, and the Palmetto Trail network connecting Spartanburg to outdoor recreational opportunities.
How to Participate
The 2026 Upstate Heart Walk begins at Fifth Third Park — home to the Hub City Spartanburgers on Magnolia Street in downtown Spartanburg — at 4:00 PM. The event runs until 5:30 PM. Registration and team information is available through the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk portal at heart.org. Spartanburg Methodist College is hosting a companion Change Drive fundraiser on April 20 for those who cannot attend today.
What’s Happening Q&A
Q: When and where is the Spartanburg Heart Walk?
A: The 2026 Upstate Heart Walk takes place today, Friday, April 17, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Fifth Third Park in downtown Spartanburg.
Q: Is this the first Heart Walk in Spartanburg?
A: Yes — the 2026 Upstate Heart Walk is the first time the American Heart Association has brought its Heart Walk event to Spartanburg, making it a milestone for the community.
Q: Who is supporting the event?
A: Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is a primary supporter of the 2026 Upstate Heart Walk, which is organized by the American Heart Association.
Q: What happens next?
A: Spartanburg Methodist College is hosting a companion AHA Change Drive fundraiser on April 20 from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Student Center Front Porch for those who want to contribute but cannot attend today’s walk.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vivek Wang
HERESPARTANBURG · HEALTH
Vivek covers health, wellness, and outdoor living for HERE Spartanburg, reporting on healthcare programs, community health initiatives, and fitness culture from the Hub City to the foothills. Michael’s beat spans wellness from Spartanburg Regional to the Palmetto Trail.
