Clanton native Terrance Hill has inspired people through his non-profit organization, Glad Tidings Community Outreach, as well as through his own personal success story.

Hill founded Glad Tidings in 2001, but never imagined that the organization would undergo the dramatic change it has.

Roughly four years ago, Hill decided to get serious about his health and fitness.

Now, Hill is encouraging others to do the same, as his non-profit focuses on promoting health and combating obesity.

Glad Tidings, located in Montgomery, serves the Montgomery and Chilton County area.

The organization’s most recent endeavor is the “Running with Passion” 5K Run and Walk to be held at Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park in Wetumpka on July 11 at 9 a.m.

Through community events and encouragement via social media, Hill has helped others reach their health and fitness goals.

Glad Tidings’ Facebook page features health advice and videos demonstrating exercises for the public.

Hill said he became motivated to help others after he noticed how eating healthier and exercising made him become a better version of himself.

“I just want to inspire people to push themselves,” Hill said. “My goal is to help people that are wanting to make the change to a healthier lifestyle and become the best person they can be. A person’s confidence in their health and physical appearance can make them confident in other ways, too.”

Hill shared that he was involved in a wreck four years ago that changed his perspective on life and finally gave him the push he needed to achieve his goals.

“I learned to start treating every day like it’s my last,” Hill said. “I want to share that realization with others. Always live up to your potential.”

Hill said he believes the rising obesity levels are partly due to a lack of education on healthy dieting and exercise, which is the motivation behind his daily health tips on social media.

“I want people to know they don’t have to starve themselves or try unhealthy pills or diet trends. Health education is key to understanding how to make a healthy lifestyle happen,” Hill said.

Glad Tidings, which was originally founded to establish food drives, has taken on a “makeover,” while also holding on to its roots by targeting nutrition-based goals.

The “Running with Passion” 5K will be the first of many fitness events, according to Hill.

Anyone in the Montgomery or Chilton County area interested in participating in the “Running with Passion” 5K run/walk may sign up at active.com.

All ages are encouraged to attend, and the tickets are $15 each, with a cash prize of $50 being awarded to both the male and female winners.

For more information on the Glad Tidings Community Outreach or the “Running with Passion” event, contact Terrance Hill at 334-300-6887.