National Half-Marathon Signs Three-Year Commitment with Erie

The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce the return of The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon/5K on June 22, 2014. Following the success of last year’s sold-out race, the event is being moved to the campus of Penn State Behrend so that more runners and walkers may participate. Both a 5K and half marathon will be offered in a non-intimidating environment, with longer course time limits to allow runners and walkers to complete the race at their own pace.

The half marathon and 5K race will start and finish at Penn State Behrend’s Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. A 7 a.m. start time has been set for the half marathon, with the 5K taking off at 7:30 a.m., rain or shine.

Past contestants of the hit NBC show “The Biggest Loser” will be featured at the race, including former contestant and Nashville recording artist, Dan Evans, who will give a post-race concert. Each registered participant will receive an exclusive Biggest Loser running shirt, free downloadable race photos, and a finisher’s medal. The half marathon and 5K are chip-timed for participants tracking personal goals, and special awards will be given to the top runners and walkers.

Participants and the community are encouraged to attend the Health and Wellness Meet and Greet prior to race day on June 21, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Junker Center on the campus of Penn State Behrend. The event will feature packet pick-up, workshops from past Biggest Loser contestants, Biggest Loser Q&A, and much more.

“The exposure that the Biggest Loser RunWalk Premier Destinations event creates as part of Biggest Loser national television programming is invaluable to Erie, making this event a signature event for the Erie Sports Commission,” said ESC Executive Director Ron Sertz. “To ensure continued growth of the event, we’ve created a long-term relationship with the event organizers and are working with Penn State Behrend, which will allow us the opportunity to invite and encourage even more participants from across North America to get off the couch, get active, and discover all that Erie has to offer.”

For more information on The Biggest Loser RunWalk or to register, please visit www.biggestloserrunwalk.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.