The third annual KwanzaaFest Beat Obesity 5K Walk/Run will take place on December 13, 2008. This is a remarkable occasion to inspire and be inspired by hundreds of individuals who are walking, or even running, to increase the awareness of obesity and its health related problems. Again, in addition to the 5K event, there will be a 1 mile kid's run.

For the past 20 years, obesity has been on the rise. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older-over 60 million people-are obese. This increase is not limited to adults. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens aged 6-19 years, 16 percent (over 9 million young people) are considered overweight. As a result, these increases placed our community at risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and a variety of other diseases and illnesses. We are at a crisis level. Let's rise above crisis level together.

Please join me by walking or running as an individual or team on Saturday, December 13, 2008 to beat obesity in our communities. Fitness experts will work in tandem to conduct an aerobic warm up and stretching session, and lead the 5K walk/run around Fair Park. This spectacular walking event will be filled with fun, entertainment, prizes, give-a-ways, and a power breakfast. Best of all, the team with the largest number of participants will receive a special prize.

Thank you in advance for your participation.
Commissioner John Wiley Price