PROVIDENCE – Enrollment for the fifth annual Shape Up RI exercise and weight-loss competition has begun, with an upgraded computer system, more than 1,000 events and activities that participants can join for free, and weekly prizes to be awarded throughout the season.

The program, started by Brown University medical student Rajiv Kumar, is built on the idea that exercise and healthy eating are more appealing – and easier to stick with – when done in groups. Most people sign up through their workplace, or through other groups.

Shape Up RI has won multiple awards, including a Community Health Leaders award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the Student Innovator award for Kumar in this year’s Rhode Island Innovation Awards, sponsored by Providence Business News in partnership with the R.I. Economic Development Corporation; and a 2008 Community Hero award from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the American Red Cross.

The program has grown dramatically since its launch in 2006, when 1,738 people joined. Last year, 13,071 people competed, exercising for a combined 375,780 hours, or 4.55 hours per person per week. They lost an average of 7.3 pounds, and a quarter lost more than 10 pounds.

With the upgraded online system, participants will be able to plan activities together and communicate more easily, the program organizers said. The schedule for 2010 already includes yoga, spinning, rock-climbing, dance, cooking classes, seminars and more.

To learn more, visit www.shapeupri.org.