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The catch phrase is 'get fit, lose weight, improve your health and win big money!' The $10,000 Treasure Valley Weight Loss Challenge kicked off in the St. Luke’s Humphrey’s Diabetes Center in Boise on Saturday.

More than 800 people signed up, all in hopes to drop a few pant sizes.

Organizers said it's the perfect timing with the New Year’s resolution season. “Over 30 activities from now until June 6, Zumba classes to cooking classes to behavioral health," said Lisa Jarussi, Event Coordinator.

Last year's first place winner Rich Siler lost 84 pounds. Something he said he couldn't have done without the mental support of the weight loss challenge.

"To have that conversation, share life and goals, it really helps a lot," he said.

The 2nd place winner Kristina Villamore, who grew up in an overweight household, said the key to breaking that cycle and staying fit permanently is not doing it alone.

"Make it part of your social life, I like Zumba,” said Villamore, “just find something you want to go out to and want to do.”

Now for the weight loss challenge:

-    First, pay 50 dollars to register
-    Then, stay on track with diet and exercise, weighing in once every month, until June 6th
-    The woman and man, who lose the highest percentage of body weight, wins $3,000 each
-    The second place winners get $1,500 and the third place wins $500 each

"It’s a good way to get people motivated, start the new year fresh and change their life," said Jarussi.

The weight loss challenge also provides mental support, workout and dieting tips. People have until January 20th to sign up.

Here’s a link to find out more information on the program, and to check for sign-up locations: http://hdiabetescenter.com/weightloss/

More than 20 sponsors, including Ladd Pharmacy and Axiom are supporting this event.