About the Show:
Fat March is an ABC-TV reality show that challenges 12 obese people to walk from Boston to Washington DC in 10 weeks. It began airing August 6, 2007 at 8/9 pm CT/ET.
Fat March at ABC.com
Contestants:
Contestants weighed between 225 and over 500 pounds at the weigh-in before they began their walk. They were unaware before the start of the show that they would be required to walk a large distance and would be camping out each night.
Prizes:
A prize pot of $1.2 million would be split if all 12 made it to Washington DC. The pot is reduced by $10,000 per person when any contestant drops out or is voted out. Along the way, the contestants earn rewards and prizes during challenges. These may be a night at bed and breakfast, a gourmet (but healthy) meal, or travel prizes to be used after the show.
Elimination:
At the end of each segment, the contestants may unanimously choose not to vote anyone off. If there are any votes to vote off a contestant, the one with the most votes is eliminated. If they do not eliminate a person who has fallen behind the group in mileage, they must all make up that mileage.
Weigh-Ins:
The contestants were weighed before the start of the contest. They are weighed at the end of each segment.
Mileage Walked:
In the first episode, the contestants walked between five and eight miles per day. Those who fell behind due to medical issues had to make up the mileage when they returned to the course.
Show Inspirations:
This series is based on a British TV series, Too Big to Walk. I believe it was also inspired by Steve Vaught, the Fat Man Walking -- a 410 pound man who walked across the US in 2005 to 2006.
