It's a unique way to raise money for the American Heart Association. It's called HeartChase, and it's coming to Baker Park in Frederick on Saturday, June 9th.

A release from organizers calls it an "urban race." "It's not a walk. It's not a 5k. It is a challenge course where there will be several locations throughout Baker Park that are not exactly obstacles, but there are going to be physical challenges that anybody at any fitness level can do," says Melissa Bennett, the chairperson of the event.

One example, she says, is a relay around Culler Lake. While that may sound easy, Bennett says participants will go around the lake with a balloon between their knees, pushing a beach ball with a broom, or riding a "Big Wheels" tricycle.

Teams of two to five will also use their SmartPhones to solve puzzles or complete challenges at checkpoints within a one-mile radius of Baker Park. The one with the most points wins.

This is the first year for HeartChase in Frederick. It has been held in other cities, such as Beverly Hills, Ca., Oshkosh, Wis, and Salisbury, Md. "They are only in very limited, very distinct cities," Bennett says. "I consider that Frederick is very lucky in having such a different and unique challenge and event that we're hosting here."

Anyone who wants to form a team and sign up can do so by May 28th, and pay a $40 fee.   But they can go out and raise money and pay more. "They can also use the on-line fundraising tool. Because they registered as teams, we really hope those teams raise money. We're offering recognition and little prizes for the team that raises the most amount of donations to help increase awareness about heart health," says Bennett.

For more information on the event, go to www.heartchase.org.

Participants can also sign up the day of the event. The fee then is $50. Sign-ins will take place at 8:00 AM, with the race beginning at 9:00 AM.

The American Heart Association says heart disease and stroke are the nation's number one and number three killers, claiming about 870,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2005-06, AHA has invested more than $543-million in research, public and professional education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer and healthier lives. "I tell my clients--I'm also a personal trainer--I tell everyday that their most important muscle is your heart. And without your heart, you don't have much," says Bennett.