Time to Get Up & Go Celebrate!  May 10th

Let The Sun Shine and Let's Celebrate!
All Systems GO!

World Torch Relay to Arrive Saturday at
Get Up & Go Celebration!

Local Rock Legend to Emcee Get Up & Go Event

Law Day 2008 Run Biggest Ever!

Craig Virgin Says "It's Time to Get Up & Go!"

Belleville Animal Clinic to Offer Free Pet Health Screenings at May 10th Get Up & Go Celebration!

The Race For Character Is Back For Another Year
Freeburg Shows It's a Get Up & Go Community!
Village of Smithton Family Fun Day
Law Day Run 2008 Race Results
SWIC 2008 Summer Camps Announced

"I can't tell you how excited I was when I got a call out of the blue that this incredible International Run wanted to take part in our event," said Mark Peter, co-director for Get Up & Go.  "We knew the word was getting out, but we didn't expect it to get out that far!  The fact that they are trying to do the same thing worldwide with their run, connect communities, as we are trying to do here with health and fitness, is just wonderful!"

The World Harmony Run travels the world to encourage goodwill at the local level. Simultaneous events occur in some 100 nations throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Since the inaugural Run in 1987, more than five-million people have participated. Endorsements over the years have come from many world figures, including President Nelson Mandela, President Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, The U.S. Conference of Mayors, as well as dozens of members of Congress, governors and mayors.

Carl Lewis, spokesman for the Run, said, “By carrying the Torch, millions of citizens are taking a step for Harmony and bridging the cultural and social boundaries that separate nation from nation. By covering so many thousands of miles on foot, these courageous runners will encourage countless young people to transcend our differences and, instead, embrace our common aspiration for a better world.”

Just like Get Up & Go, everyone can participate in the World Harmony Run: athletes and non-athletes, young and old alike. Everyone can carry the Torch a few steps, a few blocks or a few miles or just come out and cheer the runners as they pass through. People can join local school children, celebrities, and government officials in one of the thousands of welcoming ceremonies along the route.

You can find out more about the World Harmony Run at www.WorldHarmonyRun.org/usa

Somehow we just keep "Gettin' Lucky!"  When we decided to throw a celebration for Health and Fitness we never thought it would draw a Rock Star.  But when local rock legend Roger Boyd of "Head East" heard we needed someone to announce the event, he stepped forward and volunteered his services. Maybe we'll have to the rename the event "Get Up & Enjoy Yourself".   Roger's classic rock band, "Head East" is still pounding the stage and thrilling the crowds after 39 years of success.  With over a dozen albums and packed summer concert tour, we are thrilled that he can take some time to give us a hand at the mic.  I don't know if we'll have him on the keys, but from 11 to 3 he'll be keeping us all in time.  Thanks Roger, we look forward to Saturday.
You can find out more about Roger Boyd and head East at www.Head-East.com

The sky was cloudy, the wind brisk and the air cold, but that didn't stop Law Day 2008 from having its biggest run ever.  With the Belleville Police and World Champion Craig Virgin leading the pack, nearly 500 adult runners and over a hundred youth ran in this 7th annual event.  The sun only emerged for a few minutes, right at the start of the race, but no one seem to notice.  Everyone was anxious to run and the parade of runners stretched for almost three blocks at the very start of the race. 

In just under 16 minutes and 5 kilometers later, the first of the runners crossed the finish line marking a very successful completion to the months of hard work and dedication that go into this run. (Click here to see full race results)  Each year the St. Clair County Bar Association sponsors the Law Day Run as a fund raising event for the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, which helps low-income persons through legal representation and education.  This year's run raised thousands of dollars for the cause.

While the more serious of the runners may have been the adults, hundreds of youth also participate in the race.  A 1K youth run and a fun run for the littlest are also part of the day.  Each participant in the youth and fun run receives a medal and the chance to meet Craig Virgin, a two time World Champion and Olympic distance runner himself.  Of course, there's also plenty of food and refreshments to go around.  Activities for the kids and health and information booths for the adults.  (Get Up & Go had an information booth at the event, and another dozen groups joined the cause for health and fitness in St. Clair County.)

Congratulations to everyone that participated in this year's run.  And a hearty thanks to the St. Clair County Bar Association and race directors Craig Virgin and Angie Vassen for their planning and sponsorship of this great annual event.  For some early pictures of the event, click here for one of our Get Up & Go slide shows.  More pictures will be posted as they come in.  If you have any of your own, please send them to us at Info@GetUpGo.info .

Just when we thought that this celebration couldn't get any better, the Belleville Animal Clinic has stepped forward and told us they will be offering free Pet Health Screenings at the May 10th Get Up & Go Celebration.  "WOW, this is incredible!" was all Bob Dahm, Principal of Belleville West High School (and co-host for this May 10th event) could say when told the news at a recent planning meeting.  "This is really going to be a great day."

Lifetime fitness and total wellness is a big theme for Dahm, and a major reason that he wanted to work with the Get Up & Go campaign.  We agree and we were thrilled when Dahm offered not only to share his sports field but to help make this entire celebration 'Pet Friendly'.  Sometimes we forget just how important our pets are to our own health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically.  For many, walking the dog twice a day is the chief source of our daily exercise.  But our best friends need to stay fit too. 

So, on Saturday May 10th, come to the Belleville West Campus and join in our celebration of fun, fitness and community health.  Bring Fido and Fluffy, Prince and Princess.  Get a free health screening for yourself and one for your best friend.  Enjoy the weather, the company, the fun demonstrations and activities for everyone.  Sample some food, or bring a picnic lunch and relax under the trees at the winery.  Play a little fetch or frisbee, walk the trails or go on a jog.  What's important is that you can do it with ALL of your friends.  Check out some of the events for the day on our Celebration-Activity page, and keep checking back for more additions and updates.  See you there!

The sun is shining and the weather looks beautiful!  The National Weather Service is still calling for Sunny Skies with a few clouds and high of around 72 for today's Get Up & Go Celebration!  (What else would you expect?)  Event organizers have set up the tents and say the grounds look good, no standing water and everything is a go.  Come on out and join us today at Belleville West High School and Ravissant Wiinery for a day full of fun, fitness and just a plain old good time.  There's lots  to do and plenty to eat.  Live music, games for the kids, some great participation-demonstrations and a whole lot more.  Bring the family, bring the dog (pet friendly events), bring a picnic lunch if you like.  Just Get Up & Go!  Click here for all the details and directions.  Look for us just south of Highway 15 on Frank Scott Parkway.  We'll be the ones with the 300 frisbees flying through the air and the big climbing wall.  Watch out for those runners carrying that international torch though, they'll be running to visit us too!

See You There!

St. Louis Blues Join Get Up & Go

The St. Louis Blues front office has confirmed that they are joining the Get Up & Go Campaign.  And we are thrilled to have them!  Dan Kramer confirmed yesterday that the Blues definitely want to be a part of what's going on here in St. Clair County.  We'll surely have more details to follow, but the Blues have already informed the campaign that they will have representatives at the Get Up & Go Fitness Fair event on May 10th at Bellville West.  Without letting too much out of the bag, Dan said "We'll probably have a Shot-on-Goal activity for the kids (and adults?) along with some autographed equipment and other things to give away.  As for a player....well, stay tuned."  What a great opportunity for people to find out more about what's in store for our favorite NHL Hockey Team and to get a chance to 'make a shot'.  We'll be updating this story very soon!

Mark Peters, Dr. Rita Arras and Craig Virgin...Our Get Up & Go Leaders

Healthy Cooking is on the Menu for These Young Chefs!

Young Chefs Learn the Joy of Cooking (Slideshow)

Schools Sign Up to Give Get Up & Go a Great Start.

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

Annual Scrivner Dinner Provides Big Push to Get Up & Go  (Slideshow)

See the Pictures from Healthy Kids Day sponsored by the Downtown Belleville YMCA

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

See the 4th Annual Scrivner Dinner Slideshow

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

Volunteers Build New Playground Extension at Whiteside.

See the Whiteside Construction Slideshow

Name the Mascot Contest Begins!!!

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

See the Scouts Slideshow

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

Check Out our Picture Gallery from the Kick-Off

For Our Full News Archive Click Here