Though it’s still three months away, preparations have already begun for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Get Fit Stay Fit 5K Corporate Challenge Run/Walk.

A team captains’ meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at Riverside Military Academy, the same location where the 5K will take place on April 16.

Robyn Lynch, who coordinates the event for the Chamber, said 90 teams participated last year, mostly from local employers.

"We have 40 teams signed up already, and our goal is 100," she said.

Teams last year ranged in size from two persons to almost 400. Total participation was more than 1,500 people; this year they’re aiming for 2,000.

In addition to teams, individuals can sign up for the 5K, with a registration fee of $20.

"The purpose of the corporate challenge is to help companies that don’t have a wellness program to start one," Lynch said. "In the long term, it saves money."

Besides the 5K, the chamber sponsored the HealthSmart Expo last October and created an initiative for local restaurants to label healthy items on their menus.

For this year’s Get Fit 5K, there will be a few changes.

"Last year we had it in March, and the weather wasn’t that great, so we moved it to April," said Lynch.

For those who can’t attend the meeting on Jan. 22, the Chamber will launch a new Web site, www.getfitstayfit5k.com, to help people train for the event. It will include tips for those who plan to walk the course rather than run.

"Last year, we had about 400 runners and 1,100 walkers," said Lynch.

She said the 5K is open to any team or individual, even if they don’t live or work in Hall County.

And after they finish the course, they’ll be treated to "Hall County’s Largest Office Party," with awards presentations, food and live music.