For the first time, the Clark County Activity Coalition and Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation are hosting a 2019 Wellness Challenge Kick-Off and Expo of Providers.

The kickoff runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at College Park Gym. Attendees can register early for the challenge while visiting the businesses, fitness centers and eateries that are participating in this year’s challenge.

The Clark County Wellness Challenge is a 10-week countywide event meant to encourage physical wellness and health education in Clark County. Last year, there were more than 500 participants. The program has been around for nearly 10 years.

This year’s challenge runs from Feb. 27 to May 15. The cost to participate is $15, and the final date to register is March 6.

The challenge fee gives full access to everything in the challenge booklet, which is available online and will be given to participants when registering. Additionally, challenge participants can sign up for $50 three-month membership for full access to the facility at College Park.

Weigh‐ins are on Wednesdays during the challenge. Participants must weigh in at the same location every time.

Registration and weigh-in time and locations include 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Clark Clinic B Wellness Center, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Clark County Health Department, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Winchester Family Practice and 6-8 a.m. at Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation.

Participants must be at least 12 years or older to register. To be eligible for prizes, participants must complete a registration form and weigh in on the day of registration, be 18-years of age or older, weigh in at least five times and attend five different classes. Two of the five weigh-ins must include registration and the final weigh-in.

The activity coalition will award additional prizes at the challenge finale on May 18. Participants must be eligible and present to win.

The coalition will award prizes to the top three male and female participants who have lost the most significant percentage of body weight over 10 weeks.

The challenge also features various discounts for participating food establishments including a 10 percent off coffee and $1 off salads at the Cairn Coffee House, $2 off the Champions Special at Champions Nutrition, a discount card to Full Circle Market, $1 off salads at Gaunce’s Deli and Cafe and 10 percent off a purchase at Jimmy John’s.

Participating fitness locations include Cross Fit Strode Station, the OM Place, WCCPR and WholyFit at Calvary Christian Church.

Participants can also go on the Traveling Trail Wednesday Lunch Walk at 2020 Bypass Road. Participants can get out of the office during lunch and go for a walk. Every Wednesday during

the challenge at noon join environmental educator Erin Sliney for light stretches and a pleasant one‐mile or more stroll on the scenic mowed path.

Participants can also join fellow runners and walkers for downtown exploration while getting exercise with the Winchester Run-Walk Club. The weekly run‐walk begins and ends at the Engine House Deli and Pub Thursday evenings any time between 5 and 7 p.m.

Various classes are also available this year including Self-Defense Class, Safety and Nature Awareness Walk, Healthy Choices for Every Body Series, Running into Better Fitness, the Keto Bandwagon and more.

The coalition will announce prizewinners at noon during the Clark Regional Medical Center Community Health Fair and Wellness Challenge Finale which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18. The Joe F. Reed Memorial Heart Walk begins before the finale at 9:30 a.m.

The coalition will post updates about classes and other information about the challenge on the Clark County Activity Coalition’s Facebook page.