The Akron Marathon is asking residents to take a few steps toward fitness. Well, 100 million steps, to be exact.
The 100 Million Steps Akron initiative, which will help promote a healthy lifestyle and offer solidarity among residents, is a 10-week walking challenge that hopes to generate a collective 100 million steps from individuals, friends, family members, community organizations and local businesses.
Participating just requires registering at www.Akron.walkertracker.com and entering an e-mail address. Walkers may sign up as individuals or join and create teams. Once registered, participants may set daily goals and track their steps manually, or by using a smartphone app, pedometer or other device.
“Each of us can benefit from a brisk walk every day. It’s a powerful public health strategy,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan at a press conference on Wednesday (which also happened to be National Walking Day). He was joined by Summit County Executive Russ Pry (who joked that he hoped Horrigan walked to the press conference), along with Akron Children’s Hospital President and CEO Bill Considine and Summit County Health Commissioner Donna Skoda.
The challenge begins April 18, and the final step will take place at the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series 8k & 1 Mile, presented by National Interstate, June 25. Winners will be selected in the categories of “Individual with Most Steps,” “Team with Most Combined Steps” and “Business with Most Combined Steps.” The winners will be announced at a July RubberDucks game.
Participants of the challenge also may opt-in for e-mail alerts notifying them of opportunities to earn steps or to engage with others by sharing photos and posts on social media using the hashtag #AkronSteps100.
For info and to participate, visit https://akron.walkertracker.com/.
