(April 29, 2006)—As many as 5,000 people are expected to take part Saturday in the third annual Texas Round-Up, which organizers describe as the state’s largest physical fitness event.

Gov. Rick Perry and First Lady Anita Perry will kick off the roundup with the Official 10K of Texas, which begins at 8 a.m. on the grounds of the Capitol.

Several run/walks are planned, along with a health expo and a concert on the Capitol grounds.

“The Texas Round-Up is much more than a one-day fitness festival, it is a powerful program that can help Texans make lasting lifestyle changes that will improve every day to come,” Perry said.

“It’s not always easy to make time for regular exercise, but the statistics show that people who exercise for just 20 minutes per day a few days each week live healthier, happier and longer lives. That is why it is so important for Texans of all ages to make physical activity and healthy eating habits a part of their daily routine,” he said.

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Perry is a runner, himself.

He says too many Texans are facing serious health problems as a result of obesity, which, he said, costs the state billions of dollars a year in lost productivity and health care expenses.

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