The annual Get Fit Stay Fit 5k Corporate Challenge, taking place Thursday, is about living healthy. But for some, it's also about competition.

"We train every year for this race," said Edgar Arroyo, facility manager at Diamond Auto Spa. His team won the fastest company award at last years' 5k and Arroyo said they're ready to defend their title.

Thursday's race is the fourth annual 5k organized by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. The event was started by the organization's Healthcare Committee with the goal of supporting companies in creating internal
wellness programs.

"It's an opportunity for companies to encourage their employees to get out and exercise," said Robin Lynch, the chamber's vice president of marketing and communications. "The companies walk together or run so it's just a great networking and team building opportunity for companies."

The event normally draws between 1,200 and 1,500 participants, Lynch said. The race is open to both corporate and community teams. Several awards are given out, including fastest CEO and best team T-shirt.

Lynch said some companies have seen noticeable changes in employees' health.

"We're finding teams that the first year had employees that walked it or couldn't walk it and are now running it," she said.

Arroyo said five employees at Diamond Auto Spa train every other day after work and compete in several races each year around in the county.

"I'm very happy with what our company is doing for employees, trying to get all of the employees healthy and trying to have some kind of motivation to them, to all of the employees, on how you can live your life being healthy," he said.