April 6, 2006

Contact:

Shana Witherow
Seigenthaler Public Relations
shana@seig-pr.com
615-327-7999

Nashville, TN - Adventure Science Center will combine kids who run with a day of fun on Saturday, April 22 during its Second Annual BodyQuest Challenge, which features a one-mile Fun Run that not only qualifies as an official mile of the YMCA Country Music Kids’ Marathon, but teaches its participants the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

The action-packed day of activities will begin with the Fun Run itself, which kicks off at 9 a.m. at Adventure Science Center, goes through Fort Negley and back to Adventure Science Center. The Run will count as one mile of the YMCA Country Music Kids’ Marathon, a 5-week event that requires each participant to run a total of 26 miles including the final mile of Nashville’s famed Country Music Marathon, which will take place this year on April 29.

Although the YMCA Kid’s Marathon is open only to those in kindergarten through 6th grades, BodyQuest Challenge welcomes participants of all ages to take part in this free event. Children who wish to participate can begin registering at 7:30 a.m. at Fort Negley Park. Parking for the run is available in the lower lot of the Science Center.

“The Fun Run and all of the other BodyQuest Challenge activities planned for the 22nd support the mission of our BodyQuest exhibit, which is designed in every respect to encourage children and families to lead healthy lives,” said Christy Whitney, event manager for Adventure Science Center. “The BodyQuest Challenge and the exhibit itself help children and families learn more about their bodies, how to take care of them and how to have fun in the process.”

All BodyQuest Fun Run participants will receive free admission to the Science Center the day of the race and can take part in the following additional BodyQuest Challenge activities:

• The Healthy Start Passport Program, which rewards visitors with a stamp for visiting the following stations: how to fix a “broken” heart, testing your lung capacity, learning about calcium and bones, and brain-stretching memory games
• The climbing wall, open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which challenges visitors to climb to the highest heights
• The Belmont University cheerleaders, who will encourage and entertain participants
• Donelson Tae Kwon Do demonstrators, who will introduce kids to the fun and discipline of the martial arts
• The Hula Hoop and Jump Rope Contests, which will enhance the day’s fitness challenge fun

The BodyQuest Challenge was created to supplement the experiences that BodyQuest, the Science Center’s newest and most comprehensive exhibit, offers its patrons. BodyQuest, an interactive exhibit that opened last year and comprises 9,000 square feet, invites visitors to discover the complexities of the body’s systems, make healthy choices and consider careers in healthcare. The expansive, hands-on exhibit features sections devoted to the circulatory, digestive, nervous, muscular and skeletal systems; and also provides a simulated hospital area and ambulance to allow visitors to experience careers in medicine.

The Second Annual BodyQuest Challenge also will feature a country music performance from 10 a.m. to noon by local country musician Scott Hammock.

Sudekum Planetarium shows at the Science Center on April 22 include “Blown Away” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., “Skies Over Nashville” at noon, and “Hubble: Images of the Infinite” at 3 p.m.

BodyQuest Fun Run sponsors include Nashville Striders, The Athletes House, Purity, and the YMCA Country Music Kids’ Marathon.

For 60 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for children in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage children of all ages to explore how science, invention and innovation affect their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity, and engages the senses in the fascinating world of science.

Adventure Science Center’s regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. For the summer, the Science Center is open late on Friday and Saturday. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults; and $7 for children ages 3 to 12, and seniors age 65 and older. The Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Blvd. For more information, call (615) 862-5160 or visit our web site at www.adventuresci.com.