Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

MENDON, ILL. -- A race to combat childhood obesity kicked off at the Adams County Fair Sunday.

Fair officials and Blessing Health System coordinated their first annual "Big Heat" extreme obstacle course.

Nineteen teams of four took on the challenge, flipping tires, competing in tire runs, walking on railroad ties with uneven buckets of water, and climbing a fence to name a few.

Kids in sixth through twelfth grade could compete in the race. It was a way to get kids out and get them active, but also drew them to the fair.

"Blessing Health System is interested in involving the youth in more fitness and physical activity. The number one concern today is childhood obesity. So, this way, we came up with this event to really try to encourage kids to be physically active and get kids out to enjoy the fair!" Lisa Neisen, Blessing's public relations director said.

Four teams won this year's Big Heat competition.

In the 6th to 8th grade division, the girls on the "Winners Team" and the "Terminators" on the boys side won. In the 9th through 12th grade division, the "Fish on Fire" girls team and "Team Swag" boys team took first place.