Runners combat obesity with 5K event

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Nearly 200 people woke up early Saturday to battle obesity in downtown Mobile.

The inaugural SteadyPace 5k at Lyons Park brought together local running groups, families and others looking to get, or stay, fit.

“This is another opportunity to get everybody out and moving to help them get healthy, start experiencing a healthier lifestyle,” Rosshiki Leatherwood said about the event.

Leatherwood has a program focused on teaching children about how to make the right choices in exercise, eating and life. His program is called PHAT kids or Productive, Healthy and Talented Kids.

The event featured a new 5K course that took runners and walkers out of Lyons Park onto St. Stephens and into the neighborhood surrounding Washington Middle School.

The AM Group LLC sponsored the run. All proceeds will be split among local anti-obesity programs.

“We’re fighting a major epidemic with the obesity, mainly with the kids these days. Junior diabetes is prevalent with our young folks," Leatherwood said.