CHARLESTON, W. Va.– Two “Biggest Loser” winners are coming to Charleston to encourage West Virginians to get out and get some exercise.
On the fifth season of the weight loss show, the mother/son team of Jackie Evans and Dan Evans found themselves dropping hundreds of pounds and changing their lives.
Now, five years later, they travel around the country promoting “The Biggest Loser Run Walk Race Series,” which will be a FestivALL event June 29 at Haddad Riverfront Park.
It will be an event for all ages.
“It’s a 5K and a 10K and it has a 1-mile kids challenge, so that’s a fun run,” said Jackie.
But in addition, it will also be for all skill levels.
“We have top finisher prizes for our top competitors out there but we also have extended course times for people that just want to get out and try to walk a 5k or see if they can do a 10k,” said Dan. “
Dan said it’s really a non-intimidating and welcoming environment for anyone who wants to come out at any fitness level.
The Evans will be teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central West Virginia during the event to not only encourage grown ups and kids to get active, but also raise self-esteem.
Jackie said exercise does more than just get people in shape.
“When you start getting active and taking care of yourself, it’s very empowering,” she said. “It changes the whole self-esteem.”
In addition to the run walk, the event will also feature finish line festivities including a performance by Dan’s very own band that released its first album, “Goin’ All Out,” in fall 2008.
Jackie adds that she cannot stress enough how important it is for people to take care of themselves.
“You’ve got to take care of yourself, you’ve got to put yourself first and then you have so much in this life to give,” said Jackie.
Through June 26, registration is $35 for the 5K and $50 for the 10K. If you register the day before the race at package pickup, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center, the 5k will cost $45 and the 10k will be $60.
The Kids 1 Mile Fun Run is $10 during pre-registration and $15 during package pickup. There is no race-day registration.
For more information, or to sign up for the event, visit www.biggestloser.com/runwalk.