Bridge to Health 5K Just Few Weeks Away; Businesses with Five Participants Get Logo on T-Shirts
By Julie Perine on June 04, 2021 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
It's just $10 to participate in the June 24 Bridge to Health 5K, the first event of The Bridge Sports Complex grand opening weekend and the celebrated finish of the Healthy Bridgeport weight loss contests. Runners and walkers who complete the course at Bridgeport Recreation Complex will not only compete with their times, but also support Healthy Bridgeport.
“For everyone, this is a great way to be part of an event that promotes health and wellness," said Abby Veigel, certified running/fitness coach 
and team lead for Healthy Bridgeport.
and team lead for Healthy Bridgeport.
Businesses which register at least five participants will see their logo featured on event T-shirts, which can be purchased for an additional $10. Sizes XS through XXL are available.
At the conclusion of the 5K – the route which will follow the run/walk trail - cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.
The winners of the Biggest Loser and 10 Percent Takedown challenges will then be crowned. There are 115 Bridgeport residents participating in the two contests combined. The three men and three women losing the largest percentage of body fat in The Biggest Loser competition will win cash prizes as follows: 1st place $2,500,
2nd place $2,000 and 3rd place $1,500. Also, all weight loss challenge participants reducing their weight by at least 10 percent
will be entered into a drawing, three of them winning $1,000 in cash.
“When starting out (in January 2021), some of our participants were not even able to walk around the block and are now going to compete in a 5K, so it’s a great way to come together and celebrate what they have accomplished,” Veigel said.
The event and cash prizes are funded through Healthy Bridgeport which resulted from The Health Games sponsored by Healthy Harrison in 2020. Team Bridgeport took first place in the competition, winning $100,000 in cash and health-related incentives.
There will be music and a variety of prize drawings will take place. Some area health-related businesses will be represented at the event.
Monthly, users of the Healthy Bridgeport app win prizes by completing daily fitness goals. The app is available for free download through The App Store. In addition to healthy recipes and fitness tips, the app now also features an 8-Week 5K Training Program for those who would like to build up to running a 5K by June 24. Written by Veigel, the program guides users to add more and more running time to their daily walks.
Register at https://www.healthybridgeport.com/5k-race-signup.
COVID precauctions will be followed. Masks are not mandatory for 5K participants during the race.
On race day, packet pickup will take place between 6-6:45 p.m. below the soccer fields. The race will begin at 7 p.m. with 5K awards to follow at approximately 8 p.m. and Biggest Loser and 10 Percent Takedown challenge winners announced at approximately 8:30 p.m.
The Health Games were sponsored by Healthy Harrison in an effort to reduce obesity among residents and produce a healthier community. Veigel said participants in the Biggest Loser weight loss challenge have lost, on average, 30 pounds each, resulting in immeasurable health benefits.
June 24 was selected for the 5K and related events to coincide with the grand opening weekend of The Bridge. A celebration is scheduled for Fri., June 25 and tours of the facility on Sat., June 26. Details will be released at thebridgewv.com.
“We’re celebrating The Bridge grand opening and we’ll hopefully partner with them to continue to promote wellness,” Veigel said.
