Illustration. Source: Wikimedia commons.

Decatur’s Biggest Loser challenge returns this weekend, and the contest also benefits City Schools of Decatur.

The official weigh in day is Saturday, Feb. 1. The event is sponsored by Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp and CertaPro Painters.

Registration is $20 and $5 of each fee paid goes to the Decatur Education Foundation, a nonprofit benefitting local schools.

According to the press release, “Grand prize winners in the men’s and women’s categories will each win $250 in cash, one month of Pinnacle Fitness Bootcamp sessions and $400 in CertaPro Painters gift certificates for painting services.”

Thomas Van Soelen won the men’s category in 2013, shedding 34.2 pounds in six weeks. He said he’s managed to keep most of the weight off, but like most of us trapped at home during this week’s snow storm, it’s been hard to eat right and get out to exercise.

“Weight has been a struggle my whole life, but one thing I learned through that process with them is what foods are really problematic for me,” he said. “I’ve got a couple of boys at home, and a different job, and I have to get back into eating more of those foods and less of the others. I know what I have to do and they helped me figure it out.”

People interested in learning more and registering can click here.