The coronavirus pandemic has made some types of exercise harder to achieve safely, especially if they involve close contact with others in confined spaces.
But the most natural form of exercise — simply putting on comfortable shoes and heading outdoors for a long walk — is still safe and enjoyable.
That’s why the sixth annual 100-Mile Challenge organized by the Christian County Health Department makes a lot of sense heading into autumn and following six months of life with COVID-19.
The goal is to walk at least 100 miles between Sept. 15 and Dec. 1. Registration is under way and continues until Sept. 18.
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This year the 100-Mile Challenge is dedicated to the late Wally Bryan, a former Hopkinsville mayor and founder of the Challenge House movement. Bryan, who died on May 14, was responsible for bringing the idea of a community walking challenge to the health department several years ago. He wanted to encourage local residents to get more active.
Since the first walk in 2005, thousands of people have participated, a local health official said.
The cost to register online is $10. Everyone who signs up receives a T-shirt at the end of the challenge.
Walkers mark their daily progress on paper tracking sheets and email them to the health department at christiancountyhd@gmail.com.
A virtual awards ceremony is planned Dec. 4 to recognize participants. Everyone who turns in tracking sheets by the 4 p.m. Dec. 1 deadline will be entered for giveaways during the awards ceremony.
Important dates, a link to the registration page and other details are available on the 100-Mile Challenge page.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.
