Twelve strangers connected online with one thing in common: the formerly obese couch potatoes took up running, got in shape and lost more than 100 pounds each. After a year of planning and training, they met for the first time, in south Florida, to complete a 200-mile relay run as a group, captained by Rik Akey, a Wauwatosa resident. The race began January 4, 2012, on Key Biscayne, in Miami, and ended 38 hours and 200 miles later, in Key West.

The team and the race comprise the subject of a documentary film, From Fat to Finish Line, due out later this year. Thousands of people that are working to improve and maintain their health have gained inspiration by joining the film’s Facebook page, which provides daily healthy living tips, and by visiting the film’s website, which offers a trailer and information about each of the runners.

When asked about the motivation behind the project, Akey says, “Initially, we each set out to improve our lives. But over time, our mission changed. After finally finding success, we want to inspire others and help them improve their lives. We did it, so we know they can too.”

For more information, call 414-3151858, email [email protected], visit FatToFinish.com or search From Fat to Finish Line the Documentary on Facebook.