(6-20-07) From Press Release - The region's first-ever marathon relay, team and individual challenges, and a collection of fitness-related celebrities will anchor the third-annual FITJAM celebration July 14-15 at the world headquarters of Vancouver-based Nautilus, Inc.
The July 15 marathon relay involves five-member teams who begin near the Portland airport, cross the I-205 Bridge on the pedestrian path, and finish at the Nautilus campus in east Vancouver. Meanwhile, the campus will host a 5k walk/run, softball, flag football and 3-on-3 basketball challenges, a cheer and dance clinic, health and fitness exhibits, youth activities, food, entertainment, and a giant truckload sale of closeout-priced fitness equipment and apparel.
"The entire FITJAM weekend is an opportunity to encourage people to embrace physical activity in whatever form they like and regardless of their fitness level," said Ron Arp, who heads corporate communications for the fitness company. "We want to make fitness fun and enjoyable, helping more people enjoy the quality of life and self-esteem that comes from more physical activity."
A cadre of notable fitness-related celebrities will join in the celebration by meeting the community and signing autographs. Among them: football legend and NFL Hall of Fame honoree Dick Butkus; Portland Trail Blazer and Clark County native Dan Dickau; the Trail Blazers' Bowflex Stunt Team and Blazer Dancers; and a foursome from the legendary Harlem Globetrotters including Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, Hollywood Brown and Pee Wee Harrison.
Nautilus also will host Jim Campbell, an Indianapolis firefighter and hot-sauce entrepreneur who set a world record on a Nautilus StairMaster step mill, climbing 106,000 steps in a 24-hour period for charity. Michael Polinko, who appears in Bowflex ads living his dream leading a band, will be performing throughout the weekend. The company's latest line of fitness products for the club and home will be available to test.
The weekend is kicked off with a reception Friday, July 13 hosted by the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce with special guest Dan Dickau. Tickets are available at www.vancouverusa.com or by calling 360-694-2588. A full slate of activities are scheduled Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. There is no admission or parking fee.
Registration for the marathon relay and 5k walk/run can occur at www.nautilusfitjam.com. In-store registrations are available for the 5K events at the Nautilus Retail Store, Fit Right Northwest, Foot Traffic and Joe's Ticketmaster (Vancouver only). Marathon relay registrations can only be done on-line.
Some of the team challenges will be staged in the Nautilus Back Yard, a full-size football field and softball diamond with artificial turf, three half-court hoops and a 1/4 mile walking surface that Nautilus makes available every day to the public. Team event brackets are limited.
Those who participate in the marathon relay, 5k walk/run or corporate competitions will be provided a Pearl iZUMi performance apparel top, while supplies last.
FITJAM is supported by a number of health and fitness minded organizations in the area. They include: Bank of Clark County, Vancouver Clinic, The Columbian, Southwest Washington Medical Center, Hannah Honda, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Nationwide Insurance. Other area business are exhibiting, supplying goods, or providing raffle items for drawings.
Proceeds from the event are reinvested in health and fitness activities in the region. Last year, beneficiaries included six area school districts, Clark County Youth Football, Vancouver Police Activities League, and various not-for-profit agencies.
Questions about FITJAM can be emailed to fitjam@nautilus.com
