Gov. Perry & 5,000 Texans run 5th Annual Texas Roundup

Texas First Lady Anita Perry (photo @ Fiesta opening ceremony) Gov. Rick Perry (photo) Joined 5,600 Texans to Run 5th Annual Texas Round-Up

Annual fitness festival also hosts 2008 USA Track and Field Masters 10K Championships

Gov. Rick Perry joineds 5,600 Texans and 80 track and field champions to run the 5th Annual Texas Round-Up. Thousands took part in the annual fitness festival’s 5K, 10K, family mile walk and fun zone.

"Working regular exercise and a balanced diet into daily life can yield significant benefits not only for individuals, but the state too," Perry said. "Obesity and obesity-related illnesses affect too many Texans. Initiatives like the Texas Round-Up encourage Texans to shed lethargic lifestyles by offering a fun, family-friendly venue to begin, or continue, a health lifestyle routine."

The governor was joined at the race by the individual, city and agency winners of the Governor’s Fitness Challenge. These include "Fit Texan" Norman Langwell, Jr.; the cities of Manor, Pflugerville, Huntsville, Abilene and Austin; and the Cancer Council, Veterans Commission, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and Department of Transportation.

Additionally, First Lady Anita Perry recognized Michael Pennington of San Antonio, whose t-shirt design was chosen for the family mile race.

This year, Texas Round-Up was chosen by USA Track and Field to host the Masters 10K Championships. USA Track and Field is the national governing body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the U.S. Competing in the race are Olympians Sean Wade and Colleen De Reuck, national champion Dennis Simonitis and 71 USA Track and Field Masters.

Since 2004, more than 66,000 Texans have participated in the Texas Round-Up. The initiative includes GetFitTexas, a free online training program where members can track their exercise progress and access training tips.

Each participant who completes the online training program receives a signed certificate from Gov. Rick Perry. Overall, participants in the Governor’s Challenge have logged over 55 million minutes of exercise in 2008. This year, 25 Round-Up affiliate cities led efforts to make Texas the fittest state in the nation.

An avid runner, Gov. Rick Perry has made the promotion of fitness and healthy lifestyle choices an important part of his healthcare initiatives. Too many Texans face serious health problems as a result of poor nutrition and lack of exercise. Complications from being obese cost the state more than $10 billion each year due to lost productivity and increased burden on the healthcare system.

For a complete list of Texas Round-Up affiliate cities and fitness events, please visit www.texasroundup.org.