Miami County’s only free medical clinic is joining forces with a Piqua-based walking and running specialty outlet in encouraging local citizens to participate in a weight-loss program that will also benefit their mission.

The leaders of the Health Partners Free Clinic, located in Troy, and the owners of Can’t Stop Running Co., of Piqua, are collaborating in the free Pounds for Partners program, slated for Jan. 16 through Feb. 27, to promote weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

Ryan and Amanda King, owners of Can’t Stop Running Co. (CSRC), report a daylong kick-off event at the store in Piqua, set for Jan. 16 at 8 a.m., will allow participants to register and weigh-in throughout the day. The store is located at 321 N. Main St.

The program will conclude on Feb. 27 at Health Partners Free Clinic, 1300 N. County Road 25A, with a final weigh-in between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Once completed, $1 per pound lost by participants will be donated to the Clinic.

Funds raised will go towards offsetting the Clinic’s operating expenses, according to Executive Director Justin Coby.

“This is more than a fund raising activity for the Clinic. Our mission is helping provide information and ideas for our patients to have a healthy lifestyle. We are very appreciative of those who agree the health of those under our care is much more important.”

“We feel strongly that Ryan and Amanda deeply share that notion and partnering with them seems like a win-win to me,” Coby said.

The Kings explained weekly weigh-ins are encouraged, but not required. The weigh-ins will be at CSRC on Saturdays during the program.

Ryan King said, “We will count any pounds lost from the last weigh-in throughout the program. In other words, weight can fluctuate up and down and they'll receive credit for cumulative amount lost.”

The Kings are encouraging people to participate in group runs at the store to aid with their goals. Participants can join the event anytime during the program.

CSRC will manage the weight loss calculations. As the event continues, participants will receive e-mail notification of nutrition seminars to encourage healthier eating, according to King.

Participants who weigh-in at least twice will receive a $10 CSRC Gift Card at their second weigh in.

For more information, contact the Can’t Stop Running Co. by calling (937) 778-1515 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Their website is located at www.CantStopRunningCo.com.