Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Signs On as Title Sponsor for Peachtree Junior Race

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia has signed a multi-year agreement with Atlanta Track Club to be the title sponsor of the Peachtree Junior, as well as a partner of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. In light of the company’s commitment to its “Healthy Generations” platform, the affiliation made sense from the beginning.

“Our Healthy Generations initiative aims to improve the health of all Georgians by supporting organizations focused on important health issues,” said Jeff Fusile, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. “Peachtree Junior and Kilometer Kids, the year-round youth running program sponsored by Atlanta Track Club, encourages children to stay active and fit, important steps in establishing long-term health. We are proud to provide our support to improving the health and well-being of children, who are the future of Georgia.”

This year, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Peachtree Junior will feature a 3K for ages 7-14, 1/2K for ages 5-9 and a 50m dash for ages 6 and under. In addition, this year’s event will include a kid-friendly decathlon with special guest, Olympic Decathlon Champion Dan O’Brien. Interested kids may still sign up by going to Atlanta Track Club’s website at www.atlantatrackclub.org.

“Atlanta Track Club’s vision is to inspire people of all ages and abilities to achieve health and fitness through running and walking,” said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club’s executive director. “By developing partnerships with like-minded organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, we can work together to positively impact more people in our community.”

With an increased emphasis on fighting the obesity epidemic and inspiring youth to be active and healthy, Atlanta Track Club started Kilometer Kids in 2007. To date, more than 7,500 children, ages 7-14, have participated in the program each year. Throughout the year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia will provide healthy eating and exercising tips to participants in Kilometer Kids, encouraging children to stay active and fit. In addition, fun prizes and recognition will be awarded to participants by the company.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. is available at www.bcbsga.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AskBCBSGa and www.com/BCBSGaPR.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AskBCBSGa.

About Atlanta Track Club:

Atlanta Track Club is a nonprofit committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates, inspires and engages the community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. With more than 24,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second largest running organization in the United States. In addition to the AJC Peachtree Road Race (peachtreeroadrace.org) – the largest 10K running event in the world, the Publix Georgia Marathon, Atlanta 10 Miler and Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, Atlanta Track Club directs more than 30 events per year. Through the support of its members and volunteers, Atlanta Track Club also maintains a number of community initiatives including organizing and promoting the Kilometer Kids youth running program to metro Atlanta youth, honoring high school cross country and track and field athletes through Atlanta Track Club’s All-Metro Banquets and supporting the Grady Bicycle EMT program. For more information on Atlanta Track Club, visit atlantatrackclub.org.