A record 121 Idaho mayors from across the state have begun the annual Mayor’s Walking Challenge, a program of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health that promotes the importance of physical activity.
According to a news release, the Mayor’s Walking Challenge sets a daily step goal of 5,000 or 10,000 steps-per day throughout October. Participants use a smartphone app or activity tracker to log their steps. Those who reach a step goal earn funds for their community.
The challenge includes incentives for walking with children at school or with seniors, walking in a Halloween costume, and more. Mayors earn $500 in grant funding for walking 165,000 steps in October or $1,000 for walking 310,000 steps.
Over the past 12 years, the Mayor’s Walking Challenge has returned more than $699,000 to Idaho communities. Those funds support a variety of projects and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, including playgrounds, physical education equipment for schools, park amenities, scholarships for youth programs, and more.
