NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & SportsMore Than 5,000 People Finish Mayor's 5K Challenge

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Race Officials said more than 5,000 people came downtown to take on the Mayor's 5K Challenge on Sunday. 

The Mayor's Office said the mission for this event was to fight obesity, which has become a billion dollar epidemic in Tennessee.

PHOTOS: Mayor's 5K Challenge

"We realize we are in sort of the battleground the south on this issue of obesity, but this is a city that can lead the way to win that battle," said Mayor Karl Dean.

Officials said obesity is a billion dollar battle, being fought with $7.5 million in federal money.

Race officials said thousands of dollars were spent to put on the 5K race, under the program called NashVitality.

Officials said it is the same, two-year initiative that's placed fresh fruits and vegetables in corner markets that previously sold junk food.

State officials said Tennessee received federal money for events like the Mayor's Challenge because Tennessee has one of the worst obesity rates in the country. Officials said federal money will run out in March.

Many families have their own long-term solution to this problem. One family said it is about personal responsibility.

"When I looked at my child I realized I was causing it. It wasn't a disease she was born with. I was killing my daughter by what I was feeding her. And I knew I had to change that," said Tresha Hamilton.

Tresha said that she has also lost 100 pounds. Her husband, Hudis Hamilton, has lost 70 pounds.  

"Stay active; make it fun, and get out of the house; get off the couch," recommends Hudis.

Hamilton said on Sundays, if they are not running, they spend an hour and a half preparing meals for the week.

NewsChannel 5 also put together a team of more than 70 employees to participate in the race.