Kaiser Permanente of Georgia officials are excited to announce that they have kicked off team registration for the 2005 Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk and Fitness Program. This unique, six-month workplace-organized fitness initiative is designed to promote healthy lifestyles for metro-Atlanta companies and their employees through fitness.

Highlights of the fitness program include eight weeks of pre-training for the actual Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk, an annual 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk that winds through the business district of downtown Atlanta on September 15. Beginning July 21, the “Get-in-Shape” training program phase kicks off incorporating personal fitness assessments for each participant, weekly training tips by race director and U.S. Olympian Jeff Galloway and a free eight-week training membership at local CRUNCH and Bally’s Fitness Centers.

The exercise training regimen leads up to the annual Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk, which includes a 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk, awards ceremonies, live entertainment and hundreds of office picnics popularly known as the “World’s Largest Office Party.” More than 20,000 walkers, joggers and competitive runners are expected to participate in this year’s training phase and the 5K (3.1 mile) Corporate Run/Walk.

“It’s thrilling to announce our registration kick-off each year and learn how much our corporate fitness program has influenced many of Georgia’s top businesses and their employees in such a positive and healthy way,” said Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program founder and race director, Jeff Galloway. “Our aim is to work with companies to help their employees find simple ways every day to stay fit, focus on their health and lead an active lifestyle.”

Now in its 23rd consecutive year, the workplace-organized fitness program has become an annual tradition among Atlanta’s business community. Open to all walkers, joggers and competitive runners regardless of fitness level, the Kaiser-Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program started in Georgia by U.S. Olympian, marathon expert and Atlanta resident, Jeff Galloway. The debut event held in 1983 included 900 participants from dozens of Atlanta corporations. Today, the event attracts more than 20,000 participants from over 600 Atlanta companies and ranks as the largest self-standing corporate organized fitness program in the nation.

One of the most unique aspects of the program is that it is completely workplace driven. Employees sign on for the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program as part of a company team. Each participating company team designates a team captain who coordinates, encourages and motivates his/her fellow team members throughout the training period. Large, small and mid-sized companies or self-employed individuals may enter an unlimited number of runners, joggers or walkers as part of their company team. Teams may also include part-time employees, family members, friends and children under 18.

Awards are handed out for best times, best team times, most participation, team spirit, best t-shirt, top male/female finishers, and fastest male/female CEO’s. The Kaiser Permanente ® Cup is presented to Atlanta’s “most fit” companies in categories judged by the Georgia Coalition for Physical Activity and Nutrition (G-PAN). A portion of the proceeds benefits the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Registration is $20 per person before Wednesday, August 15, at 5 p.m. After that date, registration is $25 per person. To register call 404-843-8727 or www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com.

The 2005 Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program is presented by global financial services company, ING. Sponsors include: Kaiser Permanente of Georgia; ING, official automobile, Mercedes-Benz; official airline, AirTran; The Home Depot; VIACOM; Clear Channel; WSB-TV2 Family2Family; Star 94 FM; The Atlanta Journal & Constitution; Atlanta Sports & Fitness/Georgia Athlete; Jezebel and 680 The Fan.

About Title Sponsor: Kaiser-Permanente of Georgia

Kaiser Permanente is the nation’s largest not-for-profit health plan, with more than eight million members in Northern and Southern California, Oregon, Colorado, Hawaii, Georgia, Ohio and the Mid-Atlantic states. Kaiser Permanente of Georgia is the state’s largest non-profit health plan, providing health care services to approximately 268,000 members through 12 medical facilities in metro-Atlanta and a network of affiliated hospitals and physicians. Kaiser Permanente of Georgia has “Excellent” ratings for both its HMO and Medicare products from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, placing it among the best health plans in the nation and region in providing quality care and service.

Background on Kaiser-Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program

The Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program is a unique workplace-organized fitness event that began in 1983 in Atlanta with 900 participants from a handful of companies. Designed to inspire fun, fitness and camaraderie among Atlanta’s corporate community, the annual event attracts more than 18,000 participants from over 600 Atlanta companies and has grown to become the largest workplace organized corporate fitness event in the world. Event highlights include an eight-week “Get-in-Shape” training program that culminates each September in a giant “Celebration of Fitness” with a 5K run/walk,.live entertainment, awards ceremony and hundreds of office picnics in downtown Atlanta adjacent to Turner Field.

Quick Facts About the Event

WHAT: The 2005 Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program is a unique workplace-organized fitness event designed to inspire fun, fitness and camaraderie among Atlanta’s corporate community.

WHEN/WHERE:

Phase I: “Get-in-Shape” Training Program:

July 21 – September 15, 2005;

Training sites: CRUNCH and Bally’s Fitness Locations across metro-Atlanta

Phase II: Corporate 5K Run/Walk & Office Picnic:

7 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2005

Downtown Atlanta - Green Lot Adjacent to Turner Field;

WHO: Program is open to all walkers, runners and joggers from all small, mid-size and large companies in metropolitan-Atlanta regardless of level of fitness.

WHY: Event was designed to inspire fun, fitness and healthy competition among Atlanta’s business community.

REGISTER/COST:

Registration is $20 per person before Wednesday, August 15, at 5 p.m. After that date, registration is $25 per person. To register, call 404-843-8727 or visit our website at www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com.

CHARITY PARTNER:

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

SPONSORS:

Title sponsor is Kaiser Permanente of Georgia. Presented by ING.

Sponsors include: Kaiser Permanente, ING, official car, Mercedes-Benz; official automobile, AirTran; The Home Depot; VIACOM; Clear Channel; WSB-TV2 Family2Family; Star 94; The Atlanta Journal & Constitution; Atlanta Sports & Fitness/Georgia Athlete; Jezebel and 680 The Fan.