posted on Thursday, August 1, 2019
9th year. 99 counties. 900 walks.
Registration now open for statewide walk on October 2
Registration for the Healthiest State Annual Walk, presented by Delta Dental of Iowa, is now open. On Wednesday, October 2, thousands of Iowans across the state will participate in organized walks at schools, workplaces and in their communities.
Registration is free and easy: Visit IowaHealthiestState.com/Walk to sign-up as an individual or group. The Healthiest State Annual Walk started in 2011 as a call to action for Iowans to take a step in the right direction for their health. This year’s goal is to have walks registered in all 99 counties of Iowa with at least 900 total walks to celebrate the event’s ninth year.
HELP US REACH OUR GOAL: Register for the 2019 Annual Walk
“We want to energize all Iowans, whether you’re on an employee wellness committee or member of a neighborhood walking club, to join us for a 30-minute walk on October 2,” said Jami Haberl, executive director for the Healthiest State Initiative. “Walking is a physical activity that Iowans of all ages and abilities can enjoy together.”
Walking is not only good for your physical health, including supporting joint health and decreasing the risk of heart disease and obesity, but is also beneficial for Iowans’ mental, social and emotional wellbeing.
The theme “Walk more. Connect more.” encourages Iowans to walk with friends, family members, classmates and co-workers in order to foster relationships and leverage those additional health benefits.
“Delta Dental of Iowa is proud to be the presenting sponsor for the Healthiest State Walk,” said Jeff Russell, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa and Board President of the Healthiest State Initiative. “As a health and wellness company, we understand the importance of preventive care and taking charge of your health every day. We encourage participation as a step toward making physical activity a regular habit.”
WALK RESOURCES: Free tools to help make your walk a success
Those who sign up on behalf of their school, business or community can access resources, such as communications templates, customizable posters and participate in contests, including:
School Mascot Challenge: A total of 64 schools from across Iowa who register (the first 16 schools in four state regions) will automatically be entered in the School Mascot Challenge. Fans will be able to vote weekly in the bracket-style competition and the winner will be announced following the Annual Walk on October 2. The winning mascot will earn their school $1,000. (See full rules and region map.)
Registration Reward: Each week, the Healthiest State Initiative will award a $100 prize to a random school, community, organization or workplace that has registered a walk. The drawings will be random and include all registered walks so register early for more chances to win! Winners will be announced every Wednesday from August 7-October 2 for a total of nine weeks of winners! (See full rules.)
Show your excitement for the Healthiest State Annual Walk by posting a photo of yourself or a group walking and use the hashtag #GetYourWalkOn2019 and #WalkMoreConnectMore. For more information, resources and to register a walk, visit IowaHealthiestState.com/Walk.
Healthiest State Month in October
The Healthiest State Annual Walk also acts as a kick-off event for Healthiest State Month celebrating 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! across the state. Iowans are encouraged to keep practicing healthy habits, including physical activity, throughout October. Schools, workplaces and communities can download toolkits to help them celebrate Healthiest State Month at IowaHealthiestState.com/HSIMonth.