On Your Mark, Get Set…Go!  It’s time for the 35^th NIH Institute Challenge Relay.  Can your team defeat the two time defending champs “Charm City NeuRUNS”?  The rules are the same…the Relay consists of teams of five runners each whom run a loop around Lot 10H.  All Institutes, Centers, Divisions, and Contractors are invited to enter as many teams as they wish.  Each team must have men and women runners with at least two runners of the same sex (you can have a team of two females-three males or three females-two males).  The race will be held on Thursday, September 20^th on the South side of Bldg. 10, beginning at 11:15am.  It’s time to start gathering your team together so you can pick your team name and of course, start training.  Put on your thinking caps and think creatively about your team name.  Examples from last year include: Where the Wild Things Run, Running Our Assays Off, In It For The T-Shirts, ChlorRide Like The Wind, Not Fast Just Furious, Baby Got Track, Your Pace or Mine, I B Pro Fun, We Keep the Gov’t Running, Holy Fit, and Cirque de Sore Leg.  Take the next few weeks to gather for jogs around Lot 10H or visit the fitness centers in Bldg. 31for a run on the treadmill or elliptical machine.  The relay is a great reason to set a new fitness goal while preparing for a fun event.  However, the most important part of the race is to have fun and enjoy the company of your fellow NIHers.  Remember, contractor teams are welcome as well as more than one team per Institute.  Get your sneakers ready for some action.  It’s going to be fun!  Register your team for $25 at www.govemployee.com/nih/event-detail/nih-institute-relay-2018.  We ask that each group leader also provide the name and contact info for one volunteer.  Make sure to visit with event exhibitors as well.  To volunteer or for more info contact David Browne at browned2@mail.nih.gov or 301-594-2411.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors. Please stop by their table at the relay.