Runners will meet in front of the Sailboat House on Bellevue at 12 p.m. on September 21.

The Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders running club (LMJS) has partnered with the largest grassroots running organization in the country, the Road Runners Club of America, to promote the 2nd Annual RRCA National Run@Work Day. Through this partnership, LMJS is working to promote physical activity and healthy living within our community and around the country. LMJS is based in Oakland and this year celebrated its 30th anniversary. Its award winning website with club information can be found at: www.lmjs.org

On September 21, 2007, the Road Runners Club of America and LMJS will launch the 2nd Annual RRCA National Run@Work Day. This day is an evolution of the National Run to Work Day.

"The RRCA is excited to have LMJS involved in promoting and hosting a local Run@Work Day event", commented Jean Knaack, executive director of the RRCA. "Participation in the 2nd Annual RRCA National Run@Work Day is an important step in raising awareness about the importance of daily physical activity. Running is one of the most affordable, accessible, and physically beneficial forms of exercise. Please join us on September 21, 2007 by making time in your busy schedule to plan and/or participate in a local Run@Work Day event."

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) estimates that 64% of US adults are either overweight (33%) or obese (31%), meaning they have an excess weight of 30 lbs or more. For over 20 years, the CDC has been tracking obesity trends, and they have reported that the rate of overweight adults in the US has increase by 18% in those 20 years.

The causes of overweight and obesity can be complex. However simply put overweight and obesity results from an energy imbalance. Eating more calories and not getting enough exercise or physical activity results in the imbalance that causes overweight. The results of overweight and obesity can put a person at increased risks of many diseases and health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and others.

The goal of National Run@Work Day is to raise awareness about the importance of daily physical activity for adults. Running clubs, company-based wellness programs, human resources departments, and individuals nationwide are encouraged to plan fun runs and walks with their employers. National Run@Work day events will be community based events that promote and provide the opportunity for individuals to incorporate at least thirty-five minutes of exercise into their daily routine either before work, during lunch, or immediately following work. Incorporating exercise into one's daily routine can markedly improve one's overall physical health and can help alleviate health related medical costs associated with overweight and obesity.

Len Goldman, President of LMJS, commented; "I hope as many people as possible can join us for this event and for a run around the jewel of Oakland, Lake Merritt."

Find information about our local Run@Work Day event on the RRCA Calendar at http://www.rrca.org/calendars/ and click on California. Join people from around the country by signing the pledge at www.RRCA.org/runatwork to Run@Work on September 21, 2007.