“Exercise can significantly improve health at any age,” says nationally recognized cardiologist and Vice Chair of PHSC’s District Board of Trustees Rao Musunuru, M.D. “That’s the good news. However, the increasingly sedentary lives of children have led to a dramatic rise in childhood obesity and potential lifelong health issues.”

With the community’s long-term health and wellness in mind, Dr. Musunuru is sponsoring Pasco-Hernando State College’s annual ‘5K Run with the Bobcats’ and ‘one-mile Bobcat Trot’ on Sunday, November 7 at PHSC’s West Campus in New Port Richey.

The 5K race begins at 8 a.m., followed by the Bobcat Trot at 8:10 a.m. A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony will dedicate the newly completed Mrs. Prameela Musunuru Health and Wellness Trail in honor of Dr. Musunuru’s wife. The paved, wheel-chair accessible path rims the campus’ tree-lined perimeter road, also to be dedicated as the Rao Musunuru, M.D. Circle Blvd. All walkers and runners are welcome to participate in either race, regardless of fitness levels.

PHSC’s Cross Country team will benefit from proceeds, with the 5K and Bobcat Trot registration fees beginning at $25 and $10 respectively. Dr. Musunuru’s sponsorship allows children aged 12 and under to participate in the Bobcat Trot at no charge. Middle and high school students, as well as PHSC faculty, staff, and students, can register for the ‘5K Run with the Bobcats’ at the discounted rate of $15.

All registered participants will receive medals, T-shirts and PHSC swag. Refreshments will be available at no charge. For more information and registration, visit; phsc.edu/about/events/campus/run-bobcats-5k-and-one-mile-bobcat-trot or contact Cross Country Coach Jacki Wachtel for additional details or a paper registration form at wachtej@phsc.edu. Event-day T-shirts will be available for those who register by the deadline of November 4, 2021.

“Dr. Musunuru’s passion for promoting health and wellness is evident in the thousands of heart patients he has saved over his 40-year career in Pasco County,” said PHSC President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. “The health and fitness trail, the cardio and physical fitness centers and his many generous contributions to the College and PHSC Foundation have benefited generations of students.”

PHSC’s athletic program includes exciting intercollegiate competition in women’s cross country, softball, soccer and volleyball and men’s baseball and basketball. The PHSC Foundation supports the athletic program and provides scholarships to athletes, many of whom advance to university-level opportunities.

For more information on PHSC’s athletic program, visit bobcats.phsc.edu/.