On Friday, July 20, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined fitness-minded Brooklynites to kick off Lighten Up Brooklyn, an anti-obesity and healthy lifestyle campaign near and dear to his newly healthy heart.

Markowitz, who underwent a stent procedure last summer, has vowed to transform and lengthen his life through healthy eating and a committed fitness regimen. The borough president’s frequent energetic strolls through Prospect Park have helped him lose 26 pounds since last summer, and he kicked off the Lighten Up Brooklyn 2007 with a new plea for Brooklynites to take steps to improve their health.

“In Brooklyn, obesity and diabetes are at epidemic levels,” said Borough President Markowitz. “For too long, we’ve talked the talk—now it’s time to walk the walk! Frequent walking is one thing every person can do to live a healthier, happier life, and I urge all Brooklynites to stand up, step up, and lighten up!”

Friday’s walk was the first of seven guided walks that will take place over the three-day Lighten Up Brooklyn campaign. Each walk will be led by a knowledgeable local expert, will highlight a unique Brooklyn locale, and will be sure to entertain and educate while participants get their heart rates up. Each walk will also feature free prize giveaways, including gift certificates to New Balance and Modell’s sporting goods store.

Friday, July 20

Noon – TGIF! Promenade Walk – Borough President Marty Markowitz kicked off Lighten Up Brooklyn with a walk through scenic Brooklyn Heights. Walkers can meet at Columbus Park (Borough Hall Plaza) at Court and Remsen Streets for a walk to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and back.

Saturday, July 21

8 a.m. – Salt Marsh Bird Walk – Urban Park Ranger Tom Kerr will lead participants on a morning bird walk in the Salt Marsh Nature Center. Meet at 3302 Avenue U.

11 a.m. – Bay Ridge Waterfront Walk – Walking Brooklyn author Adrienne Onofri will lead a foot tour of the Bay Ridge waterfront. Participants can meet at John Paul Jones Park at 100 th Street and 4 th Avenue for a scenic walk to the 69 Street Pier.

1 p.m. – Victorian Flatbush Walk – Borough Historian Ron Schweiger will lead a group through one of Brooklyn’s best kept secrets, Victorian Flatbush! Walkers can meet at the Q train Newkirk Avenue station for an educational stroll through four turn-of-the-century Victorian communities. You won’t believe you’re still in Brooklyn!

Sunday, July 22

8 a.m. – Prospect Park Walk – The New York Walkers Club will meet at Grand Army Plaza for a brisk morning stroll around Prospect Park.

11 a.m. – Chassidic Crown Heights Walk – Discover another way of life with a guided tour of Chassidic Crown Heights led by Rabbi Beryl Epstein and Yisroel Ber Kaplan. Walkers can meet at 305 Kingston Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Union Street.

1 p.m. – Coney Island Walk – Hit the boardwalk with fitness guru Al Puma, the 77-year-old Brooklynite whose exploits as a regular in the annual Empire State Building Run-Up have earned him international fame. Participants can meet at the Parachute Jump for a walk to Brighton Beach and back. Just try to keep up!