Start Walking Virtually
Around the World
May 21 - September 22, 2009

“Global Corporate Challenge (GCC)” a health and fitness initiative helping the corporate world shift from its potentially deadly sedentary habits to getting up and moving. GCC program is not only saving lives, it’s making business more productive and profitable by having employees participate in something that delivers teamwork, communication, fun, and a positive work environment in this current economic situation. The program started five years ago with 2,500 participants. This year is on target to have more than 90,000 participants.

GCC is a web-based virtual “walk” around the world. Participants are grouped into virtual teams within their organization (they can be located apart from each other) and wear a pedometer to count their daily steps. Each team member records their daily steps for the 125 days of the challenge, then this effort is converted into a virtual tour of the globe. Through the marvel of modern technology, the site then converts this total into a kilometer/mile distance and plots the team’s progression and new position on the virtual course around the world. Through the team competition aspect, it encourages people to participate in a fun interactive way.

Outstanding statistics from the 2008 GCC, as reported from participating corporation groups, include: 41% drop in absenteeism, 72% increase in energy levels, and 75% increase in fitness levels. Of individuals, 81% have changed their health and activity habits through being involved in the GCC.

Visit www.gettheworldmoving.com for more information and to sign up

Moving You Forward: Breast Cancer Walk and Health Expo
May 30, 2009

Moving You Forward Walk/Run and Health Expo will be held on Saturday, May 30 from 8 am to 3 pm at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver, WA. Proceeds will benefit the Clara Jean Foundation. The funds raised enable under served and under insured breast cancer survivors to receive natural therapies and services for breast cancer care including naturopathic, acupuncture, nutrition, and exercise treatments.

Two new competitive races will be added this year, a 5k stroller friendly race and a 10k race. The 5k Family Fun Walk has a rolling start that allows you to begin walking as early as 9:30 am or as late as 1 pm, finishing at your leisure.

The Natural Health and Wellness Expo will focus on nutrition, exercise and natural therapies for breast cancer care, and individual and kid’s health. Featuring classes and lectures on healthy food sampling, yoga, breast health lectures, fitness, and nutrition.

Exhibits will include natural practitioners, grocers, health organization, and local businesses promoting healthy products and services.

The Expo hosts a Survivors Café, sponsored by Breast Friends, connecting survivors with each other and local resources. The café offers green tea, coffee, and dark chocolate to survivors, and is free. The Expo also creates an opportunity for kids and families to explore better health through the Kids Korner. The Expo, classes, lectures, and activities are free and everyone is welcome!

Register online at www.clarajean.org, at the event, and at both Fit Right Northwest locations. For more info visit www.clarajean.org or call 503-810-9946.

Regence
Grand Floral Walk
June 6, 2009

The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is partnering with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon to present the newest big event in the region, one that reflects the healthy lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest and its residents, the Regence Grand Floral Walk.

“Last year’s inaugural walk was a delightful surprise,” said Robert Hansen, President of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. “All those families that came out dressed up in colorful outfits made it a special Rose Festival moment.”

The event is modeled after the successful Starlight Run, which has preceded the PGE/SOLV Starlight Parade for the past 30 years. Rose Festival parade routes are always crowded with enthusiastic spectators, and in 2009 participants will be able to take their morning walk in the second annual Regence Grand Floral Walk in front of an estimated half million interested onlookers.

The Grand Floral Parade will be held on Saturday, June 6 at Memorial Coliseum. For more information and ticket sales call 877-789-ROSE or visit www.rosefestival.org/buytickets.

Lacamas Lake Half Marathon
July 26, 2009

If you haven’t participated in this event before, then you are in for a real treat. This race has been praised for its level of organization and beautiful scenery. Both races start and finish at Camas High School, which is only 25 minutes from downtown Portland. This venue provides an amazing atmosphere to hold the “expo” portion of the event overlooking Lacamas Lake. The scenic, moderately challenging, and accurate courses show off the beauty of both Lacamas Lake for the half marathon and Round Lake for the four-miler, offering plenty of aid stations to keep you from “bonking” before the finish. For both the half marathon and four-mile race every finisher will receive a metal and age group awards, and a free dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory. After the races visit the Health and Fitness Expo. Fruit, bottled water, and bagels will be at the finish area.

If you’re one of the first 300 people to register for this event, you will receive a free entry into the post-race pool party at Lacamas Swim & Sport located 2.5 miles from Camas High School in Camas. After the race enjoy the new playground for both adults and kids. Putt Putt To Go will have an inflatable playground for all to enjoy. Parents, let your kids play while you run or enjoy the fun for yourself.

When you walk this event, your registration fee benefits local high schools and the Parks Foundation of Clark County. Go and see why this event continues to grow by 25% each year and is viewed as one of the most beautiful half marathon and four-mile courses in the region. To get complete event information or to resiter visit www.lacamaslakerunwalk.com.

2nd Annual Cascade Lakes Relay
July 31 to August 1, 2009

Rediscover your senses as you stride through historic Fort Rock, past countless babbling brooks, shimmering high Cascade Lakes, and majestic mountain peaks as you walk the 132 mile Cascade Lake Relay (CLR) course from Silver Lake to Bend, OR.

Our 100% retention rate of our inaugural walk relay teams speaks to the outstanding service and attention that your team will receive and deserve! Several inaugural year walkers mentioned the CLR was incredible because of its challenges, beauty, inspiration, and the excellent care and attention they received. According to Carolyn McDermed from WEBE Walkabout Masters, “Often walkers are forgotten, but we were individually cared for and made to feel special.”

The CLR is Oregon’s most scenic and challenging eight to 12 person running and walking relay. With fewer rules, little traffic, and a lack of congestion, you’ll fall in love with the spectacular scenery. You and your team enjoy all that Southern and Central Oregon has to offer, from the breathtaking views to the authentic family hospitality and care that staff provides.

Visit www.CascadeLakesRelay.com for more relay information and to register your team for this exciting event.