Organized by the Croatian Hypertension League, in collaboration with its partner RunCroatia, the 3rd “Run for Health” was held in Park Ribnjak in Zagreb, bringing together children, parents, grandparents, and families around a shared message that health does not begin in hospitals – it begins within families, communities, and everyday habits.

This year’s event was built around the idea that health is a habit developed from the earliest stages of life, with children placed at the center of all activities and educational content.

Under the slogans “Do You Know Your Numbers?” and “Be a Hunter, Not the Hunted!”, the Croatian Hypertension League continued promoting health literacy and cardiovascular disease prevention through its public health initiative “Hunt the Silent Killer.” For years, the project has conveyed a clear message that prevention is not only about measuring blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood glucose levels, but also about encouraging healthy choices, physical activity, proper nutrition, and everyday movement.

The message of the event was simple yet powerful – every step matters. Current scientific and medical evidence clearly shows that regular physical activity plays a key role in maintaining health, while today’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle and screen exposure further emphasize the need to bring children back to movement, play, and outdoor activities.

A special emphasis was placed on educational and preventive activities involving around 150 children, focusing on the importance of physical activity, healthy nutrition, and lifestyle habits. Through interactive learning, children were encouraged to understand that health does not begin when disease appears, but much earlier – through everyday choices and habits built from childhood.

Symbolically, the event took place in Park Ribnjak, a place of gathering, movement, and community spirit, where children’s smiles, play, and sporting enthusiasm once again demonstrated how public health initiatives can become part of everyday life.

The Croatian Hypertension League extends its gratitude to all partners and supporters of the event, including the City of Zagreb, RunCroatia, Perutnina Ptuj, and everyone who contributed to making this public health initiative possible.

Through the “Hunt the Silent Killer” project, the Croatian Hypertension League has for years conducted activities aimed at raising awareness of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and other major risk factors contributing to mortality in Croatia. The project’s mission is not merely to talk about disease, but to create a culture of prevention, responsibility toward personal health, and a healthier society.

Because health does not begin with a pill. It begins with a step. It begins with education. It begins in childhood.

“Run for Health” is not just a race. It is a message. It is a project. It is a call to become hunters, not the hunted.

For a healthier Croatia. For future generations. For every step that means more health.