50 Million Pound Challenge Walk Off Set For Saturday

WHO:    Mayor Dwight C. Jones
            Dr. Ian Smith (founder/creator of The 50 Million Pound Challenge,
            New York Times bestselling author of The 4 Day Diet)

WHAT:  50 Million Pound Challenge Walk/Run Off

WHEN:  September 12, 2009
            Registration begins at 8 a.m.
            Opening remarks at 8:30 a.m.
            Challenge Walk/Run Off begins at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Chimborazo Park
             East Broad Street and 32nd Street

BACKGROUND:

The 50 Million Pound Challenge is a free national health initiative encouraging people to come together and take control of their health by getting fit.  Richmond joins 15 cities and more than 37,000 teams from across the country that will be participating in the Challenge Walk Off on September 12.  Challenge event activities include a 2-mile walk/run-off, line dancing, clowns, arts and crafts, and wellness vendors. State Farm will provide raffle prizes during the event to include $100 Visa gift cards, iPod Shuffles, a Wii Fitness system, and more. Everyone that signs up for the Challenge walk or run will receive free healthy snacks and a free 50 Million Pound Challenge t-shirt provided by State Farm.

To join Richmond’s Challenge team, ROCK! Richmond, and connect with fellow Challenge members, visit the Richmond Team page at www.50millionpounds.com or visit www.Richmondgov.com. Those who sign up for the ROCK! Richmond team, either online or at the event, will be eligible for additional incentives.

Residents should call (804) 646-5733 for more information on the Challenge Walk/Run Off.

Contact: Tammy D. Hawley, (804) 646-3110