MCHD Cannon Team serves as starters for Lope The Loop Fun Run 07.29.2023

July 29, 2023

MCHD Cannon Team serves as starters for Lope The Loop Fun Run

MOBILE, Alabama — The Mobile County Health Department’s Cannon Team made its fifth outing of 2023 this morning by marking the start of the Lope The Loop Fun Run sponsored by the City of Mobile.

The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of Broad Street at some of the larger intersections in Downtown Mobile. Next was a 3.5-mile fun run/walk around the Hank Aaron Loop, followed by a community celebration at The Ice Box.

City of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson provided the opening remarks and then fired the cannon to start the fun run/walk.

In 2016, an initiative called “MCHD Declares War on Physical Inactivity” began. Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, then serving as Health Officer for Mobile County, pointed out that Alabama has one of the highest percentages of obesity in America.

Dr. Kevin Philip Michaels, who assumed the position of Health Officer in 2022, has supported the mission of the Cannon Team. By taking part in community events, the team encourages local residents to go outside and enjoy our beautiful surroundings while exercising.

The Lyle Line-Throwing Cannon, which has a 2.5-inch-diameter barrel, was manufactured in the early 1900s by Coston. It is not a replica, reproduction, or toy. The cannon was designed to fire a projectile attached to a rope to a boat or a victim in distress. Now it used to inspire those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Derrick Scott supervises a team of MCHD employees that has been trained to safely use the device. Participating on Saturday were James Currie, Edward Franklin, Tracey Hall, Tiffany Jackson, Eddie Jones, Patricia Poellnitz and William Taylor.

Any other groups interested in having the MCHD Cannon Team attend their event should contact the Office of Communications by calling 251-690-8823 or via email at mbryant@mchd.org.