ARUSHA, Tanzania -- Anne-Michelle Barrett, a fitness expert and owner of the Manhattan-based Barrett Fitness Systems, will train and advise New Yorkers who are interested in joining St Jude’s Ultimate Kilimanjaro Challenge, an 18-day tourism, marathon and mountain climbing event kicking off in February of 2014.

The Challenge is organized by The School of St Jude (www.schoolofstjude.org), a nonprofit institution that provides a free quality education to over 1,650 of the poorest girls and boys in the Arusha region of Northern Tanzania.

The Ultimate Challenge calls on people of all nationalities, ages and fitness levels. Climbing Kilimanjaro involves six days of moderate hiking. Participants can also opt to run a marathon, half marathon or a light 5K race in the town of Moshi, at the foot of Africa’s iconic highest mountain.

“We are very proud to have an experienced New York professional like Anne-Michelle helping us extend life-changing opportunities in Africa,” says Kim Saville, St Jude’s Director of International Relations.

Anne-Michelle has worked as a trainer, instructor and fitness manager for some of the largest health club chains in the US. Among other qualifications, she is a USATF Certified Running Coach and an Ambassador and Coach for the Empire Tri Club in New York City.

After climbing MtKilimanjaro in 2010, Anne-Michelle became passionate about helping African children achieve their potential.

“Tanzanian children are so curious and filled with wonder and light. Life’s hardships do not touch their spirit. I can’t think of a more lasting way to give back than to help them receive a quality education.”

The proceeds of the Ultimate Kilimanjaro Challenge will buy school supplies, hot meals and uniforms for the children. The school, located across three campuses, also provides boarding for 1,100 students and employs over 400 Tanzanians.

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For more information and a press kit about The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Challenge, follow this link:www.schoolofstjude.org/VisitUs/mtkili.html

For more information about Anne-Michelle Barrett and Barrett Fitness Systems, follow this link: www.barrettfitnesssystems.com, and write to info@barrettfitnesssystems.com