BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Health hosted a free community fun run and walk Wednesday as part of a new annual health initiative for women.

The inaugural StrongHER Louisiana event was held at Proof Works and lasted from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Community members of all ages and fitness levels were invited to walk or run an untimed 3-mile out-and-back course, allowing participants to choose their own distance. 

"Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful things we can do to protect our health at every stage of life," Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin said. "StrongHER Louisiana is about making it easier for women to get moving and reminding them that taking care of their health doesn't have to be complicated. Small steps, taken consistently, can help women live longer, healthier lives."

The event falls on National Women's Health and Fitness Day, and organizers hope it will become an annual Baton Rouge tradition and eventually a model other communities can follow.