The "Biggest Loser” Race Series Coming to Erie

The "Biggest Loser” Race Series is coming to Presque Isle State Park on Sunday, June 5, as it hosts a Half Marathon, 5K, and a new “Motivational Mile”. The half marathon will start at 7 a.m., the 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the “Motivational Mile” will begin at 9 a.m. at Beach 11.

This will be the fourth time that Erie has been chosen as a National Premier Destination for a “The Biggest Loser” themed race event. “The Biggest Loser” Race Series is operated by Season 16 contestant Andrea Wilamowski. Among the features of the race series are expanded race offerings, including competitive heats for both the half marathon and the 5K, a “Motivational Mile,” which will be open to any participant, and more former contestants from recent seasons of the hit NBC show.

Past contestants scheduled to attend the Erie race include Rob Kidney (season 17), Stephen and Jacky Kmet (season 17), JJ O’Malley (season 16), Pamela Geil (season 14), and Vinny Hickerson (season 12). Kidney and both Kmets competed on the most recent season of the show, “The Biggest Loser: Temptation Nation,” which saw eight teams of two contestants compete to lose weight. Kidney, a small business owner, competed with his daughter and was eliminated in week 8 after losing 116 pounds. Stephen Kmet competed alongside his wife Jacky, and finished as the season’s runner-up. Geil, who attended the Erie race in 2015, lost 71 pounds in season 14.

Packet pick-up will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, and will feature motivational speeches from past contestants, information for the first-time runner, and food and fitness tips. The event is free and open to participants and non-participants.

This event is sponsored locally by Presque Isle Downs and Casino, UPMC Hamot, and UPMC Health Plan.

Registration is $75 for the competitive half marathon, $65 for the non-competitive half marathon for runners or walkers, $45 for the competitive 5K, $35 for the non-competitive 5K, and $20 for the Motivational Mile. Prices will increase after May 12.

For more information, visit biggestloserraceseries.com. 

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.

“The Biggest Loser” is licensed by the NBCUniversal Brand Development Group in association with Endemol Shine North America, the producers of “The Biggest Loser.”