A walk for wellness.

Around 170 legislators, legislative staff and other meeting attendees walked or ran 3.2 miles on August 16 to promote healthy living. The Walk for Wellness, a 5K fun run/walk, aimed to call attention to the devastating effects of heart disease, diabetes and obesity on Americans, and especially on minorities. The Walk was a joint effort by the National Caucus of Native American State Legislators, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, and the Women's Legislative Network of NCSL. The Walk donated $2,500 to Music City Moves Kids!, a program designed to increase physical activity among children in Davidson County, Tennessee.

Former Tennessee Titans Running Back Eddie George kicked off the event at the Gaylord Springs Golf Course. George is the founder of EGX Lifestyle, a company that promotes fitness and good nutrition.

"When you start this walk today, think of it as the first step toward a healthy lifestyle," George told participants.

The event was not officially timed, but the first man to cross the finish line was New York Legislative Director Ryan Miday, at 18:16 and the first female was Montana Representative Joey Jayne, at 24:09.

NCSL and the caucuses thank these companies for their contributions in support of the event: Kraft, Pfizer, the American Cancer Society, Kodak, American Beverage Association, AstraZeneca, Novartis and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Plan to join us in Boston at the second annual Walk for Wellness.