July 5, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Hundreds of Birmingham residents will unite at Legion Field at 7 a.m. July 14 to join in the second annual walk-a-thon event, hosted by the UAB Minority Health Research Center (MHRC) and Mayor Bernard Kincaid. The event kicks off this year’s WALK program, part of the Get Healthy Birmingham initiative.

The WALK campaign, created last year by MHRC Director Mona Fouad and Kincaid, is designed to motivate people in the Birmingham area to adopt healthier lifestyles with proper nutrition and exercise. As part of WALK, Birmingham residents are encouraged to establish walking clubs and elect team captains to track each team’s progress. Participants promise to engage in regular walking or exercise routines for the next year, and many pledge to participate in the UAB EatRight weight-loss program as well.

Since the launch of the WALK campaign last year, walking trails have been identified across the city and more than 200 Birmingham residents participate in walking teams. More than 20 counties in Alabama and Mississippi have followed Birmingham’s lead and launched their own WALK programs, attracting almost 1,000 participants.

“This event celebrates a very successful year of WALK and encourages participants to keep up the good work,” Fouad said. “We hope to double our attendance this year and get even more people to establish walking teams.”

Kincaid and his wife will start the day out by leading participants in a walk around Legion Field, exit through Gate 7A and continue around the stadium’s exterior. Walking teams will get together to go over their progress, and new teams will be established. Entertainment will be provided by the City’s Division of Youth Services.