September 18, 2008

Contact:
Leah Harris, 404-413-1354
University Relations

Team Georgia State prepares for Kaiser Permanente Run/Walk

A yearning to exercise after the birth of her first child and the desire to fulfill a childhood dream first led La Loria Konata to the Kaiser Permanente Corporate 5K Run/Walk.

Now, three years later, Konata’s goal is to beat her latest 53 minute walking record with Team Georgia State when the annual race kicks off at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Turner Field.

“Kaiser's 5K walk feeds my competitive nature and so I use this as motivation to work out and to set goals,” said Konata, a learning coordinator in the Georgia State Library. “Since I started the Kaiser 5K walk, I tend to workout more year-round because even in January or April, I'm thinking about the 5K in September and planning to do better than before. Eventually, I will run it instead of walk it.”

The Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program, started by U.S. Olympian and running expert Jeff Galloway in 1983, promotes health and fitness among Atlanta’s business community. This year’s race, which organizers expect will draw more than 20,000 participants, begins at Turner Field and cuts through the Georgia State campus, crossing in front of the Student Recreation Center, The University Commons, Alumni Hall and Sparks Hall.

Georgia State’s team, which is still recruiting faculty, staff and students, hopes to take the start line with more than 300 Panthers. On race day, the team will warm up for the three-mile course at 5:45 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center lobby.

“We’re participating as a team to promote community amongst the students and employees within Georgia State University,” said Deborah Rupp, Team Georgia State captain and the university’s associate director of recreation programs. “Since this is a three-mile event, it’s very doable for walkers who are new to fitness and it’s a fun event for runners as well. Any ability level can participate.”

To prepare for the walk, Konata attends an exercise boot camp and walks the track at her neighborhood park and recreation center. Proper hydration, shoes, and weather appropriate clothing are other necessities for a good walk, Rupp said.

“Part of the objective for Kaiser Permanente is to increase awareness of the importance of activity as part of an appropriate health care program,” Rupp said. “Obviously they’re in the health insurance business, but it behooves everyone if people make appropriate lifestyle choices.”

A portion of the event’s proceeds benefits the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.

For more information or to register, visit www2.gsu.edu/~wwwrec/ or contact Rupp at 404-413-1757.

What: Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk.

When: 7 p.m. Sept. 25, warm up 5:45 p.m.

Where: Georgia State University Recreation Center

Information: Registration for Georgia State students, faculty and staff is $20 until Sept. 23. Team Georgia State t-shirts will be provided to the first 300 registrants.