THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGES OVERTAKE THE COMPETITORS AS THEY MAKE THEIR WAY THROUGH AMISH COUNTRY AND PHILADELPHIA, ON ABC'S "FAT MARCH," MONDAY, AUGUST 27

Episode 104 - The marchers confront the toughest terrain, hottest weather, longest distances and shortest times to complete their walks during this stage of the competition. Matt's knee troubles threaten his chances to continue, Will is determined to quit, and their teammates face a grim fact -- years of bad health, sedentary lifestyle and overeating have taken a huge toll on their bodies -- on "Fat March," MONDAY, AUGUST 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

The marchers, after walking a total of 230 miles by end of stage three, set out from Millstone, New Jersey with $70,000 in prize money left for each contestant, since Wendy's departure last episode. A dramatic team-building exercise has each marcher, in a full body harness and hard hat, climb a 25-foot telephone pole. The harness is controlled by ropes that the other walkers are holding. If they climb to the top of the pole, they jump off, trusting their teammates to safely get them to the ground. Later, an "Amish challenge" offers a fantastic surprise reward for the male and female winners, but first they must race to gather cabbages in a hot field in the heart of bucolic Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Ultimately, the marchers make their way through the nation's cheesesteak capital, Philadelphia, where they are tempted at every turn to stop and eat.

The nine remaining contestants are:

Chantal, 35, 5'2", comedian -- A student who resides in Brookline, Massachusetts. She dreams of one day owning a pair of slim designer jeans. Weight after first three stages: 228 lbs. Total weight lost: 22 lbs.

Jami Lyn, 30, 5'9", military wife -- A housewife who resides in Daleville, Alabama. She is the mother of three children and finds it difficult to be so much larger than her husband and the only big person in the family. Weight after first two stages: 209 lbs. Total weight lost: 27 lbs.

Loralie, 30, 5'3", wants to have a baby -- A marketing resources expert who resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She's married and dreams of starting a big family, but her doctor demands that she lose weight first before having children. Weight after first two stages: 213 lbs. Total weight lost: 28 lbs.

Shea, 27, 5'7", former college softball player -- A make-up/special effects artist who resides in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. She is embarrassed that she is the biggest person in the make-up trailer and her parents are worried about how her weight is affecting her health. Weight after first two stages: 265 lbs. Total weight lost: 24 lbs.

Anthony, 25, 6'3", 25-year-old virgin - He is unemployed and resides in Addison, Illinois. He is determined not to let his being overweight kill him. Weight after first two stages: 378 lbs. Total weight lost: 55 lbs.

Matt, 37, 6'3", professional wrestler -- He resides in Cincinnati, Ohio and is married with two children. He was released from pro wrestling in the U.S. last year when officials felt he was too heavy and it wasn't safe for him to compete. He must lose weight to return to his career. Weight after first two stages: 354 lbs. Total weight lost: 35 lbs.

Michael, 41, baseball coach - A lab technician who resides in Elwood, Illinois. He is married with two children and has tried every diet from A to Z. Weight after first two stages: 273 lbs. Total weight lost: 46 lbs.

Sam, 22, 5'9", certified massage therapist - He resides in Everett, Massachusetts, is single and believes that his weight has kept him from being hired. Weight after first two stages: 336 lbs. Total weight lost: 46 lbs.

Will, 26, 6'2", competitive eater -- He works in retail and resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is single with no children and would like to inspire others to lose weight and get in shape. Weight after first two stages: 424 lbs. Total weight lost: 48 lbs.

"Fat March" is an epic, life-changing journey that began at the starting line of the Boston Marathon with 12 participants, and will end in Washington, D.C. The contestants and their two charismatic fitness trainers, Steve Pfiester and Lorrie Henry, will walk over 570 miles, passing through nine states, with the goal of shedding unwanted pounds and getting fit along the way in an attempt to permanently alter their lives. In addition, they all will compete for a prize pool of $1.2 million. Stressing teamwork, the more people who finish, the more money each person wins. Each person loses $10,000 for every competitor who is eliminated or drops out on their own.

Executive producer is Nick Emmerson; co-executive producers are Julie Laughlin and Kirsty Robson. The production company is Ricochet (producers of "Supernanny"); "Fat March" is based on the British series, "Too Big to Walk."

This program is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

 

Source: ABC Press Release

 

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