Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Claims Presenting Sponsorship of Texas Round-Up 10K-5K-Family Mile Race December 1, 2009 AUSTIN, TEXAS – Texas Round-Up announces Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is the new presenting sponsor of its 7th Annual Texas Round-Up 10K-5K-Family Mile race and fitness festival to be held on April 24, 2010 in downtown Austin. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, the state’s only customer-owned health insurer, is a long-time supporter of Texas Round-Up, and 2010 marks its first year as the presenting sponsor of the event. “We understand the need to support programs that increase awareness that physical activity and healthy choices are essential in everyday living,” says Darren Rodgers, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. "The Texas Round-Up 10K-5K-Family Mile event fits perfectly with our mission of promoting the health and wellness of our members and communities and provides an excellent venue for all Texans to celebrate healthy living in a fun, family-friendly environment.” An estimated 66 percent of Texas adults were overweight or obese in 2007. Obesity often leads to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke and certain cancers, which cost businesses $3.3 billion each year in health care costs, lost productivity, and absenteeism. “Our goal is to improve the health of Texas, and we believe if everyone in Texas incorporates regular physical activity into their daily life, we can reach that goal,” said Meredith Garcia, Texas Round-Up executive director. “We are extremely proud to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. We share a focus on wellness and look forward to working together to provide a safe and welcoming environment for Texans to be physically active together.” Now in its 6th year, Texas Round-Up is known for its three primary programs: GetFitTexas!, FitKids and FitCities, as well as hosting a race that caters to all physical activity levels from the serious runner to the beginning walker. In 2009, 6,400 people participated in the Texas Round-Up 10K-5K-Family Mile event. Texas Round-Up and RunTex plan to host free community training groups beginning in February to assist those wanting to prepare to run or walk the 10K or 5K. To register for the race and to learn more about Texas Round-Up and its programs, visit www.texasroundup.org. In 2004, Governor Rick Perry launched the Texas Round-Up statewide fitness initiative and 10K race to motivate and encourage Texans to become more active and incorporate healthy choices into their daily lives. Today, Texas Round-Up is an independent not-for-profit organization working to improve the health of Texas through education and promotion of physical activity and healthy living.