Chuck Long

Chuck Long

An annual event that’s designed to help Iowans lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle is entering its 15th year.

Iowa Sports Foundation executive director Chuck Long spoke at a statehouse news conference this morning to mark the kick off of the 2016 Live Healthy Iowa challenge.

“You’ve made your New Year’s resolution and this is a great way to back it up,” Long said. “What’s that resolution? It’s usually to lose weight and get in shape.” The 100-day, team-based challenge runs through April 1. Over the course of the next 10 weeks, teams of 2 to 10 people track the exercise minutes and weight loss through Live Healthy Iowa’s website.

“If you haven’t registered, there’s still time to join us as registration remains open through February 7,” Long said. For $20, all participants receive an official 10 Week Wellness Challenge T-shirt, a one-year magazine subscription of choice, exclusive discounts at businesses statewide, and chances to win weekly prizes.

In 2001, the Iowa Sports Foundation launched the health challenge, originally called Lighten Up Iowa. According to the Governor’s office, over the past 15 years, Live Healthy Iowa has helped over 308,000 Iowans to record nearly 600 million minutes of activity and shed 1,146,395 pounds.