As the Queensland Government prepares to launch a new campaign in the war against soaring obesity rates, the 2013 Toowoomba Telegraph Peak2Park has again reiterated their original charter. Obesity rates in Queensland have doubled in less than a decade with one-third of this State’s adults measured as obese in 2011-12, making the Sunshine State the obesity capital of the nation. And more than one-quarter of Queensland children are overweight or obese.
The original 2005 charter of Healthy Active Lifestyles Toowoomba (HALT), organisers of the annual Peak2Park event, was to address the growing obesity epidemic sweeping Australia, and particularly as it affects children. And to this end, HALT organisers this year have made contact with 26 Catholic and Private schools and 58 state schools throughout the region.
“Studies have shown that once children become obese they are more than likely to stay that way through to adulthood,” HALT media spokesperson Neil Brown said. “And that brings with it an increased risk of developing both short and long-term health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We want to encourage people, especially youngsters, to get active, participate in exercise and eat healthy, but not just for one day but to make a positive change in their overall lifestyle habits.”
This year’s event, including the 4km and 10km journeys, will be held on Sunday, March 3, with more than 3000 people expected to take part. Both courses, the 4km, which starts at 7.30am and 10km (7am start) are from Picnic Point and finishing at Lake Annand.
Funds raised in this year’s event will go to the Toowoomba Hospice, Teen Challenge and Fresh Hope, a rehabilitation centre for mothers and their children.
To register go to www.peak2park.org.au Entries can also lodged at Willows Health and Lifestyle Centre, Kitchener Street, Toowoomba, or sign up at one of the two sign-on days at Grand Central, outside Rebel Sport, from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, February 23 and March 2.
