Get Up Go

Welcome to our News and Announcements page!
We're excited about what's happening with the Get Up & Go Campaign and we want to tell you all about it. Check here daily for the latest news, announcements and events. (Click for more about our Campaign)

You can also check out our News Archives for past stories and events!!!

Volunteers Build New Playground Extension at Whiteside.

Communities Proclaim its time to GET UP & GO!!!
Village of East Carondelet Helps Lead the Way

The American Cancer Society has joined the Get Up & Go Campaign.

Even Man's Best Friend Wants You to...
Get Up & GO!!!

Honorary Chairman and Hall of Famer Craig Virgin to Speak at Annual Health Foundation Dinner

The Honorary Chairman of the Get Up & Go Campaign will be the featured Guest and Speaker at Thursday night's Annual Dr. Willard C. Scrivner Public Health Foundation Dinner at the Four Points Sheraton. The two time World Champion, Olympian and Hall of Fame member will be talking about "Good Health and Fitness: It's Truly a Marathon and not a Sprint." Those who attended the Get Up & Go Kick-Off got a small sample of Craig's enthusiasm and dedication to good health and fitness. Doubtless, the champion will deliver the same message to the dignitaries and guest at the annual dinner, complete with examples and stories from his own phenomenal career. And what a career it was!
Not all champions are born with perfect bodies. At age five, Craig Virgin was diagnosed with a serious congenital urological disease. He underwent eight years of antibiotic therapy and many painful medical procedures. Finally, in the eighth grade, he underwent a reconstructive surgery that allowed his kidneys to improve and saved his life. The next year he took up running and before his high school career was over he had won five Illinois State High School Championships in both cross country and track. His state meet records of 13:50 for 3 miles in cross country and 8:42 for the 2-mile track event still stand today after more than 30 years! He also broke the legendary Steve Prefontaine's national high school record for the 2-mile run with a time of 8:40 which is rarely approached even today. In college at the University of Illinois, Virgin won nine Big Ten Championships, an NCAA Championship, and qualified for his first U.S. Olympic Team. He also led the Fighting Illini cross country and track teams to three Big Ten team titles and two top 5 NCAA Championship team finishes. He went on to become a 3-time U.S. Track & Field National Champion, a multiple American recordholder, a 3-time U.S. Olympian in the 10,000 meter event, and a 2-time World Cross Country Champion. Craig Virgin's athletic accomplishments rank him among the very best in his sport. His berths on three U.S. Olympic Teams in the 10,000 meter event are unprecedented. He finished 2nd in the Olympic Trials in 1976; 1st in 1980; and 2nd in 1984. In 1980, Virgin ran the fastest 10,000 meter time in the world! He hoped to be the first American to medal in that Olympic track and field event since Billy Mills in 1964. Unfortunately, the U.S.-led boycott of the Moscow Olympics spoiled that dream. Undaunted, Craig proceeded to become the only American man ever to win the World Cross Country Championships. He captured not one but two gold medals with breathtaking closing sprints in Paris (1980) and Madrid (1981). Virgin ranks those two victories as the highlight of his 23-year world-class racing career. Craig Virgin accomplished more than most in less than a very few. He was elected into the U.S. Distance Running Hall of Fame at Utica, New York in 2001. Craig Virgin has had his share of physical challenges both on the track and off. In 1994, he had his diseased right kidney removed but, in typical fashion, he left the hospital after only two days and just two weeks later finished a 10K road race in under 40 minutes! In 1997, he survived a near-fatal, head-on automobile collision with a wrong-way driver. His injuries included two badly broken ankles, a severely bruised heart with resulting arrhythmia, a broken finger, torn rotator cuff tendons in both shoulders, cartilage damage in both knees, a broken nose, and other facial injuries. But, his indomitable inner spirit prevailed once more. Craig endured twelve surgeries over ten years along with grueling physical therapy. He has not only recovered from his injuries, but has returned to running and cross training for fitness if not competition. Quitting is just not in his vocabulary! Throughout his life, Craig Virgin has called upon himself to produce results and achieve goals despite many, many obstacles. As he has often said, "I developed my work ethic tending to the livestock and crops on my parents' farm. I got used to a very physical and challenging lifestyle. It made me tough and contributed to my endurance as well as my mental tenacity. "Coming from ideal conditions or circumstances doesn't always prepare you to be the best. Desire and determination are still paramount for success. Having the right attitude will always take you farther!" From the farmland outside his hometown of Lebanon, Illinois to distant locations around the world, Craig and his journey have impressed thousands with his attitude, his persistence, and his ability to identify and achieve his dreams. His story makes you examine your own attitude as well as your own self-imposed borders and boundaries. Thursday night he will have quite the audience. The annual Scrivner dinner draws both state and local dignitaries as well as business and health industry leaders from throughout the region. The dinner is held each Spring to honor Dr. Willard C. Scrivner who dedicated his life to the health and welfare of the St. Clair region and raises funds for his foundation which sponsors such important efforts as this Get Up & Go Health and Fitness Campaign. To find out more about the Scrivner Foundation or contribute to the cause of Health and Fitness in St. Clair County go to www.WCScrivnerFoundation.org

Even Man's Best Friend Wants You to...
Get Up & GO!!!

The Belleville Animal Clinic showed it's support for the Get Up & Go Campaign this week with a giant banner outside of its clinic. And what better way to get started on a path to health and fitness than by taking along a fury companion. The Clinic will be sponsoring a walk along the Dr. Tom Amlung Nature Trail on the SWIC campus in Belleville this May 7th. The walk is in celebration of National Pet Week and people are invited to bring their dogs or take one of the dogs provided by the Clinic for a walk along the trail. The walk is all day long and staff will be available at various times with free gifts, information and a few fury friends.

"The Get Up & Go Campaign is thrilled to have this kind of participation and support," commented Co-Director Mark Peters. " What a great way to get people out and active, by getting their pets involved too. When I drive down the street and see a sign like that, it just makes me feel that we are making a real difference with this program. I really want to thank them."

That's not the only difference that the Belleville Animal clinic is making. After their participation in the Kick-Off event and because of comments made by pet owners, the Campaign will be working with area participants to identify and map all of the "Pet Friendly" parks and trails in St. Clair County. The information will be posted in section of this website dedicated to Health, Fitness and your Pets. If you want to help with this new area, email us at Info@getupgo.info or you can use our contact form and let us know how you want to help.

For more information on the Belleville Animal Clinic or the upcoming walk you can call the Clinic at 233-5720 or visit them online at www.BAnimalClinic.com

Communities Proclaim its time to GET UP & GO!!!

The Village of East Carondelet was one of the first to make it official, and the other communities are following their lead. Mayor Simmons is proclaiming April as Get Up & Go Month and a link to this website has already been posted on their village website www.villageofeastcarondeletil.webs.com The village will be encouraging citizens of all ages to take part in a walking program for their health.

Margaret Simmons, wife of Mayor Simmons said, "This is a great idea. My husband went through weight loss surgery last September and has been walking to stay fit. Since then he has lost 132 pounds. This couldn't have come at a better time."

Other communities have joined the Village in proclaiming April as Get Up & Go month and encouraging their citizens to get involved in health activities. Check back this week for a complete list participating communities and what they have done to Get Up & Go! (If your community isn't on the list then maybe they need a nudge from you!)

Communities that have Proclaimed April as
Get Up & Go Month

City of Belleville

City of Fairview Heights

City of O'Fallon

St. Clair County

Village of Caseyville

Village of East Carondelet

Village of Swansea

The American Cancer Society has joined the Get Up & Go Campaign.
The American Cancer Society staff in Maryville has said that they will be working with the Get Up & Go Campaign to promote the Society's Health and Fitness events through our website. The Society holds numerous walks and awareness activities across the country to help fight against Breast Cancer and build stronger and healthier lifestyles in women. You can check out their website at www.cancer.org/stridesonline

News Archives

Even Man's Best Friend Wants You to... Get Up & GO!!!

The American Cancer Society has joined the Get Up & Go Campaign.

Communities Proclaim its time to GET UP & GO!!!
Village of East Carondelet Helps Lead the Way

Kick-Off a Chilly Success

Get Up & Go... to the SWIC Belleville Campus

Name the Mascot Contest Begins!!!

Local Scout Troops Make Get Up & Go a Big Success!!!!

Medical Alliance Gives $1,000 to Get Up & Go!

Illinois Distributing Donates Signs,Banner for Campaign

County Board Chairman Proclaims April 2008 Get Up & Go Month!

Get Up & Go Kickoff Event set for Saturday March 29th, 2:00pm at SWIC Belleville Campus