Anytime Fitness Co-Founders To Be Featured On "Secret Millionaire"

HASTINGS, Minn., May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Minnesota natives and self-made millionaires Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen are no strangers to hard work. But neither of the co-founders of Anytime Fitness could anticipate how emotionally and physically exhausted they'd be after five days of filming an upcoming episode of ABC's "Secret Millionaire."

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Runyon and Mortensen were selected to be featured on the hit ABC show "Secret Millionaire" which taped in the summer of 2011 in Oklahoma City. The co-founders were dropped off in a poverty-stricken neighborhood with only $75 for the two of them to spend the entire week. They had no communication with family, friends or the office for the week.

"It was a grueling, physical week that required 15- to 21-hour days filled with volunteer work, interviews, more work, 100-degree temperature and more work," said Runyon.

The show will air nationally at 7 p.m. CST on Sunday, June 10^th on ABC. Runyon and Mortensen concealed their true identities and did volunteer work for several organizations assisting disadvantaged individuals. Only at the end of show do they reveal who they really are:  the millionaire co-founders of the world's largest and fastest-growing fitness club franchise, Anytime Fitness.

"The producers did their research and introduced us to organizations with which we immediately formed emotional connections," said Runyon. "In their own unique ways, each of the organizations share Anytime Fitness' goal of transforming lives and improving self-esteem. It was an exhausting experience, but we left with more blisters on our hearts than on our hands."

Up until now, the two had to remain silent about their involvement and any specific details about the show. Both Runyon and Mortensen committed to donating personal money to the nonprofit organizations they worked with on the show.

"The experience opened our eyes to some amazing people who are overcoming extremely challenging situations," said Mortensen. "At times, it brought tears to our eyes and it brought us closer together as friends. It's safe to say that the people we met had no idea what we were up to – and the expressions on their faces when we told them that we had some big surprises for them was priceless. It's a moment I'll always cherish and never forget."

For a sneak peak of the upcoming season of "Secret Millionaire, visit: http://abc.go.com/shows/secret-millionaire/video-detail/featured/pl_PL5565359.

After the show airs, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Chuck and Dave's experience and the people they encountered on their journey will be available to view at www.anytimehealth.com.

About Anytime Fitness

Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness is now the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with nearly 1,500,000 members and 2,000 clubs worldwide. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly, well-maintained facilities featuring top-quality exercise equipment. Clubs are now open in 49 states, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Grand Cayman, Poland, the Netherlands and Japan.  Join one club and use them all.  Members in the U.S. also enjoy free access to AnytimeHealth.com, the most comprehensive wellness website available. 

SOURCE Anytime Fitness