Say goodbye to your “cheat days,” people. The Marathon Meltdown is back.
On hiatus since 2016, the renewed challenge will bring together 24 teams of three for 12 weeks of competitive weight loss. Sponsored by Fishermen’s Community Hospital and the Keys Weekly Newspapers, the Meltdown will challenge community members to lose the highest percentage – not necessarily the highest amount – of their team’s aggregate weight throughout the three-month competition.
“We are thrilled to bring the Meltdown back after a few years off,” said Keys Weekly publisher Jason Koler, noting the potential for team competition to promote camaraderie, encouragement and accountability among contestants. “What better way to invest in the health of our community than by pairing a healthy lifestyle with a little competition?”
After an initial private and confidential weigh-in complete with body measurements as well as blood pressure monitoring, contestants will be required to weigh in each Monday to remain in the competition. The contest is free to enter, and while individual team members choose their own diet and exercise program throughout the 12 weeks, additional organized events will be offered for participants that may include a bridge walk, group exercise programs and more.
Keys Weekly will continue to support the contest from beginning to end, publishing weekly team weight loss statistics and contest leaders (given only in percentages of weight lost, not pounds), exercise tips, healthy recipes and healthy living columns. Handouts from Fishermen’s Hospital at weekly weigh-ins will also provide additional nutrition information and health or exercise tips.
A final weigh-in and re-check of BMI and blood pressure on Monday, June 27 at Fishermen’s Hospital will be used to determine contest winners for individual and team awards. An awards party on Wednesday, July 6 will bring together all participants at a local restaurant to distribute trophies and prizes and enjoy an evening together.
THE DETAILS
Registration: Online at www.keysweekly.com/meltdown. Registration is limited to the first 24 teams, and forms are due by Friday, April 8. Contestants must be 18 or older.
Initial weigh-in: Monday, April 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Fishermen’s Hospital. Participants will receive a health screening from Fishermen’s Hospital, and contest administrators will privately record each participant’s weight, BMI, blood pressure and waist and quad measurements.
Weekly weigh-ins: Every Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Fishermen’s Hospital.
Final weigh-in: Monday, June 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Fishermen’s Hospital. Measurements taken at the initial weigh-in will be repeated.
The Party: Wednesday, July 6…location to be determined. There will be prizes, boasting and a healthier you!
