This spring a new event will debut in Downtown Chattanooga that will give the fitness-minded a chance to challenge themselves and the fitness-shy a chance to exercise while having fun—the BlueCross Market Street Mile and Mystery History Quest, said officials.

The BlueCross Market Street Mile is a series of one-mile races, organized by age and gender, which will challenge each runner to establish their personal best time. The course is flat, fast and u-shaped. It begins on Market Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets, travels south, turns right on Eighth and right again on Broad to head for the finish line near 2nd Street.

"The BlueCross Market Street Mile is the first event of its kind in Chattanooga,” said Donna Dravland, President of the Chattanooga Track Club. “The club set out to create something new, exciting and of interest to everyone, regardless of fitness level. One mile isn’t intimidating for beginning runners. At the same time, we have some excellent veteran runners and this gives them a chance to push for a personal best.”

The Mystery History Quest is being held with the assistance of the Chattanooga Regional History Museum. Questers will receive their first clue at the Tennessee Aquarium registration area and proceed to historic sites in downtown Chattanooga for additional clues. The event is not timed, but all Questers must reach the final mystery history location by noon to claim prizes. Families, individuals, schools or any other groups may participate.

“The Mystery History Quest offers a great chance to see our beautiful city with new eyes and see exercise differently too,” said BlueCross’s Gina Bever. “At the final Quest destination, I think participants will be surprised by how far they walked, and that's what this is event is about -- helping people see that getting some exercise is easier than they think and a lot of fun.”

The registration fee for either or both events is only $4 per person through April 7 and $8 day of event. Those with Internet access can register early at www.active.com until April 6. Applications are also available at the following locations: all Chattanooga YMCA and Sports Barn locations; Fast Break Athletics on Frazier Avenue; Front Runner Athletics on Hixson Pike; and The Rush Fitness Center on Lee Highway. The one-mile races will be timed by the ChampionChip system for accuracy.