Well-being enhancement company Healthways (HWAY) recently launched its second yearly venture with Ragnar Relay Series, the country’s leading provider of overnight, running relay races. Ragnar Relay Tennessee will start on November 4, in Chattanooga, and finish after 200 miles on November 5, at Nashville. The official charity for the race is Community Health Charities of Tennessee.
The Ragnar Relay Series has grown, since 2004, from one relay in Utah to the biggest overnight relay series in the U.S. It holds 15 races across the nation and the count is rising. Ragnar Events, LLC is located in Salt Lake City and it is handled by its founders Tanner Bell and Dan Hill. More information can be obtained from the concerned web-site.
The Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index ranked Tennessee at the 11th position from the bottom in terms of well-being. About 28.9% of the state’s population suffers from obesity and it ranks among the 5 worst states on several measures. It has high rates of incidence for diabetes (14%), high blood pressure (36.1%) and high cholesterol (29.7%). Also, just 50.2% of the state’s inhabitants exercise regularly.
An overnight relay race, the Ragnar Relay attracts both untrained and trained runners on account of its special team structure. The teams include 12 runners, with each running 3 legs, who finish the 36 legs. Ragnar Relay Tennessee anticipates that over 3,200 runners will take part in its 2011 race. It hopes to impact communities and motivate inhabitants through sportsmanship, exercise and good times.
A spokesperson for Community Health Charities stated that the funds raised through the race will be directed to local health endeavors of its member charities, such as Alzheimer’s Association, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Make-A-Wish.
The Healthways model encourages people to make favorable lifestyle changes that lead to enhanced well-being, reduced healthcare costs, improved performance and economic value for customers. The company has invested in technology platforms that provide scalable support with large populations. It has tie-ups with 80% of U.S. health plans and counts 39.7 million lives in its customer base.
Due to its unique scalable business model, Healthways shares present a compelling, long-term investment opportunity although it may face many challenges in the short term. Healthways is the leader in a strategically critical and rapidly evolving part of the health care services market. Its fitness program (SilverSneakers) for seniors is available at centers across the U.S. Healthways competes with Express Scrips (ESRX) among others. Currently we are Neutral on Healthways.
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