By R. Vincent Tupaz
For Variety

ON Saturday, activity at the Chamorro Village in Hagatna will start a little earlier than usual as one of the island’s premier grocery stores sponsors a mega-health fair of sorts in hopes of encouraging a healthier lifestyle for island residents.
Payless will celebrate its 11th Annual Kick the Fat Run/ Walk on Sat. March 17, 2007.
Race Organizer Krista Gaza said that they expect over 2500 people based on last year’s show of over 2100 participants. Gaza said the anticipation of a record number of participants is linked to the sheer popularity of the race and an addition to this year’s event. In addition to the annual partners in the health and fitness related fields, the Department of Public Health and Social Services “Healthy Lifestyles for Healthy Generations,” traveling health fair of sorts will set up shop at the event. Members of the public can be screened and have their blood pressure level, Glucose, Blood Sugar level or their cholesterol levels checked.
“This year we’ve added some value. We have a huge Health Fair this year with 16 different groups represented from both the public and private sector,” stated Gaza. “They will provide free health screening.” Gaza added that the screening is free post race for all.
She explained the concept behind the island’s most participated 5K event. “Payless started this with the idea of promoting healthy living on Guam. They are the major supermarket chain and started carrying additional health products, expanded their vegan product line and the activities that they do within the community that are health related,” said Gaza. She added the growth of the 5K followed a natural course and has spawned the “Payless Community Foundation.”
The purpose of the foundation is to offer other not for profit organizations to avail of assistance from the efforts of Payless. Proceeds from the race go to the foundation for disbursement to other non profit groups. Groups that have benefited from the benevolence of the island’s supermarket chain include Erica’s House of Hope, Guam Track and Field Association, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Edward M. Calvo Foundation among others.
Those wanting to take part in the 5K are asked to register at Hornet Sporting Goods in Tamuning or at any of the island’s Payless Supermarkets. “We advise them do register as early as they can. There will be long lines,” said Gaza.
It will cost $3 per student, $5 for adults. Organizers invite you to make it a family affair and have rated four persons for just $15. Action gets underway at with a 5:30 a.m. show-time for the 5K. Go time is at 6 a.m. participants will meet at the Chamorro Village in Hagatna. The race is tracked from the Village to just before Adelup.
Some incentives for the race include a chance win a trip to the destination of your choice of Bali, Manila, Cairns, or Hong Kong. There will be giveaway t-shirts, sports bottles and blinking safety lights. Most importantly stated Gaza is there will be a lot of information regarding how to improve one’s health. There will be a lot of fun and a lot of different samplings available from sponsors said Gaza. She added it will be a great day to promote family togetherness in an active and healthy atmosphere.