The Challenge-RGV 2024 marks its 15th season beginning on Jan. 20 at the Brownsville Farmer’s Market, bringing another year of healthy successes to the Rio Grande Valley.

This free community wellness program is a collaboration between the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville, the City of Brownsville, regional municipalities, community partners and sponsors. This year brings the addition of the City of Edinburg, bringing an additional kick-off event as well as additional gym locations available to participants in the Upper Rio Grande Valley.

The Challenge-RGV provides people with the tools and opportunities to make sustainable healthy lifestyle changes and lose weight when appropriate. Over the course of three months, participants have free access to gyms, exercise classes, health screenings, cooking classes and fun runs/walks.

This year, organizers emphasize the importance of social support in overcoming obstacles and bringing mental health awareness with a theme of “interconnectedness.” Participants are encouraged to recruit their family, friends and colleagues to register as a group. Activities are free to the public, draw hundreds of families, and include significant media coverage through TV, radio, print and social media.

Online pre-registration is available.