ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) – Some 500 area residents began a new New Year’s day tradition downtown Tuesday morning. The first Commitment Day race kicked off in front of Soldier’s Memorial, encouraging participants to begin the year with a better lifestyle.

It was part of a nationwide event involving more than 30 cities.

Race Coordinator Jules Vogel calls the 5-K event a starting point and she hopes to see the event grow in the future.

“Our goal for this whole country is to get 100,000 people nationwide to all run together on New Year’s Day,” Vogel said.

Vogel says it’s hard to say how many will stick with the healthier lifestyle, but the race does give them a starting point.