Capitol Challenge Run/Walk Supports Family Health

The second annual Capitol Challenge run/walk fundraiser, an effort to raise health awareness among Oklahoma’s communities, will be held at 8 a.m. on Sept. 26 on the South Plaza of the State Capitol. Participants can choose between a 1 mile walk/run, 5K run and 10K run. Proceeds benefit the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, whose mission is to provide Oklahoma children with access to health services.

Oklahoma is ranked as the sixth most obese state in the nation, according to a recent report by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Almost one third of Oklahoma’s youth, ages 10-17, are overweight.

“This family event is a perfect opportunity for parents to bring their kids out and enjoy a healthy activity together,” said Bev Binkowski, executive director, Oklahoma Caring Foundation. “Children are really impressionable, and a parent’s involvement in health and wellness activities can set a great example for their children.”

Adult registration is $22 in advance ($15 without an event T-shirt) and $25 on the day of the event. Children under nine years can participate in the “Little Champions” children’s dashes for $10. All participants can register at the event beginning at 7:30 a.m., and the event begins at 8 a.m. A limited edition tie dye T-shirt is available on a first come, first serve basis. Prize money will be awarded to the top three overall male and female winners in the 10K. To view a map of the courses and register online, visit http://www.capitolchallenge.org .

Capitol Challenge partners include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, OK Runner, Jordan Associates and Wimgo.com. For more information, visit http://www.capitolchallenge.org  or contact Kendra Trice at (405) 316-7250 or kendra_trice@bcbsok.com.

Capitol Challenge is one of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation’s many events that encourage health and wellness. Through the Oklahoma Caring Van Program, it provides free immunizations to children utilizing mobile health units that visit child care centers, schools and community events across Oklahoma. Over 130,000 immunizations have been administered to children statewide since 1999. The foundation’s Caring Program for Children provides free primary and preventive health care benefits, to children whose families earn too much to qualify for government-sponsored health coverage, but earn too little to afford private coverage on their own. The foundation, established in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) organization, is funded by community contributions and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma as an in-kind donation.