Washington, D.C.--A staggering number of children living in the United States are overweight or obese, and recent statistics show this number is steadily growing. As a result, one in four children is already showing signs of type II diabetes and 60% have at least one risk factor for heart disease.

The American Running Association (ARA) is addressing these alarming statistics by launching the Elementary School Walk- Run Challenge. By signing up for the Challenge, elementary schools across the United States will have the opportunity to participate in ARA's 12-week,ONE-ON-ONE, WALK&RUNTM exercise program. The ONE-ON-ONE, WALK&RUNTM program is a time-based program that gets kids and adults moving every day for 12 weeks. Teachers who register for the Challenge will receive free exercise charts and magnets for their classes along with suggestions on how to incorporate the 12-week,ONE-ON-ONE, WALK&RUNTM program into daily lessons like math, social sciences, and geography. Current participating teachers have traded recess time for group Walk-Run time. P.E. classes can take on the Challenge too. Children and adults can participate in the Walk-Run program together to get healthy and learn to integrate exercise into their daily routines.

The first 100 classrooms to commit to the Elementary School Walk-Run Challenge will be featured on the American Running Association's website as well as on the website of ARA's partner, Youth Runner Magazine, at www.youthrunner.com. These schools will have the opportunity to submit photos and comments to be posted on the ARA and Youth Runner sites. Join the American Running Association's Elementary School Walk-Run Challenge today by visiting the ARA website at www.americanrrunning.org and by clicking on the ARA Youth Fitness Resource Centerlink.

The American Running Association (ARA) is a nonprofit membership organization committed to increasing the physical activity levels of America's youth. ARA provides accurate and non-biased information related to physical activity, walk-run training, nutrition, injury prevention and treatment. ARA's programs and services are designed to meet the needs of all walkers and runners, from youths to adults.

To learn more about the American Running Association or the ONE- ON-ONE, WALK&RUNTM program please go to www.americanrrunning.org or call (800) 776-2732.