College Relations

April 6, 2004

CONTACT --- Jim Glynn at 978-542-7519 or james.glynn@salemstate.edu

SALEM - The 8th annual Wellness Fair and Road Race at Salem State College will have special meaning for one participant this year. Derek Barr of Swampscott, an Instructional Media Specialist at the college, will walk the 5K-course 120 pounds lighter than he was when he first visited the Wellness Center.

Barr weighed 340 pounds when reported to Salem State's Wellness Center in 2002. "Derek decided enough was enough," said Joe Dunn of the Wellness Center. "He was tired of being tired."

At his new weight of 220 pounds, Barr will walk, not run, the 5K course through Salem due to a back condition.

The race and walk will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 25 outside the O'Keefe Sports Complex on 220 Canal Street. The North Shore Wellness Fair, featuring massages, cholesterol screenings and fitness assessments from North Shore medical experts, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the O'Keefe Complex. There will be both indoor and outdoor informational exhibits, free health screenings and live entertainment. Free raffles will be ongoing. A lecture series hosted by some of the areas most noted health specialists and a rock-climbing wall are new to the fair this year.

Dunn and Salem State College students working at the Wellness Center will also be on hand to make fitness evaluations and recommendations.

Two years ago, Dunn and SSC students put Barr on a program designed to increase his energy level and alleviate pain he was experiencing in his back.

"We started him out on the treadmill," Dunn said. "At first, he couldn't go far but he stuck to it. Soon his distance increased and he became more in tune with his diet. As he lost weight, he maintained good muscle tone by increasing his exercise regiment."

Barr performs a 45-minute cardio workout three to five days a week at the Wellness Center to maintain his new weight. "Without the support of staff, co-workers, family and friends, this accomplishment would not have been possible. I'm looking forward to participating in this year's event."

World-class runner to sign autographs

World-class runner and Olympic hopeful Jennifer Toomey will present awards and prizes following the race.

Toomey, of Salem, whose record performance in the 800-meter and 1,500-meter races at the U.S. Indoor Championships in Boston put her on the cover of this month's Runner's World magazine, will also be on hand at the Wellness Fair for autograph signing.

Considered one of the fastest women runners in the world, Toomey holds the women's record in the Wellness Fair 5K race.

Proceeds from the road race and fun walk will benefit the Salem Homeless Shelter and the Animal Rescue League.

Major sponsors include the North Shore Medical Center, The Salem Evening News and The City of Salem. For more information, contact Joseph Dunn Sr. at 978-542-6537.