Eighty-three people took part in Dominica's 2026 World Heart Day Hike on September 26, walking the Boeri Lake Trail in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park for a morning focused on physical activity and cardiovascular health.
The annual event, organised with the support of Advanced Island Care, brought together residents from across the island for the hike, which is held each year to mark World Heart Day and to encourage Dominicans to stay active as part of a healthy routine.
According to an Advanced Island Care press release, 115 people had registered for the hike, and 83 completed the trail on the day. The Boeri Lake Trail is one of the island's most popular hikes, climbing through the rainforest of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park to the freshwater crater lake at Boeri, and it is regularly used for organised walks and fitness events.
World Heart Day is observed internationally each year on September 29 to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. In Dominica, the day is marked with activities that promote exercise, healthy eating and regular health checks, and the hike has become a regular fixture on the national calendar.
Organisers said the turnout reflected continued public interest in the event, which combines the island's natural heritage with a public health message. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides the setting for the hike, and participants walked through forest and mountain terrain before reaching the lake.
Cardiovascular disease remains a significant health concern across the Caribbean, where conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are common. Health officials have consistently encouraged residents to adopt active lifestyles, and community events such as the World Heart Day Hike are seen as a way of making physical activity accessible and enjoyable.
The hike also highlights the role of the island's trails and protected areas in national life. Dominica's network of hiking routes, including the Waitukubuli National Trail, draws residents and visitors throughout the year, and organised walks such as this one are supported by local businesses and health partners.
Advanced Island Care, which issued the release on the event, has been associated with the annual hike as part of its community health outreach. The event was held without incident, and participants completed the trail during the morning.
World Heart Day activities in Dominica have in past years included health screenings, talks and fitness sessions alongside the hike. The 2026 edition followed the same pattern, with the Boeri Lake Trail serving as the centrepiece of the day's programme.
Residents interested in taking part in future hikes and health events are encouraged to watch for announcements from organisers and health partners as the next World Heart Day approaches.
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