Start Walking For a Healthier Future For Iowa at the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Walk
Registration is now open for statewide walk on October 7
Registration for the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Walk, presented by Delta Dental of Iowa, is now open. On Wednesday, October 7, thousands of Iowans across the state will participate in organized 30 minute walks at schools, workplaces and in their communities to raise awareness of the importance of physical and mental well-being in Iowa.
Registration is free and easy: Visit IowaHealthiestState.com/Walk to sign-up as a household, school, workplace, organization, or community to walk for 30 minutes any time on October 7.
The 2026 theme,"Moving Iowa Forward," highlights the power of small, healthy choices to create meaningful change. Whether it's taking a walk, making healthier food choices, connecting with others, or prioritizing mental wellness, every positive step contributes to a stronger and healthier Iowa. The Healthiest State Annual Walk serves as a reminder that improving well-being doesn't require major changes overnight. By taking simple, consistent actions, we can move Iowa forward toward a healthier future, together.
"The Healthiest State Walk is a reminder that improving Iowa's health doesn't happen all at once," said Jami Haberl, Executive Director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. "It happens through the small choices we make every day. Whether it's taking a walk, connecting with a neighbor, or prioritizing our mental well-being, every positive step matters. When thousands of Iowans come together for the Annual Walk, we show that those individual actions can create meaningful change and help move Iowa forward."
“"Delta Dental is proud to support the Healthiest State Initiative and its 16th Annual Walk," said April Schmaltz, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. "As a health and wellness company, we know that a healthy body, a healthy mind, and a healthy community go hand-in-hand. The annual walk is a simple yet powerful way to connect with others and take a meaningful step toward better health for ourselves and for Iowa."
Show your excitement for the Healthiest State Annual Walk by sharing a photo from your walk and using the hashtag #MoveIowaForward on social media. For more information and to register, visit the walk website.
The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven to ensure that every Iowan has the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Creating awareness and integrating solutions to improve the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans, we can inspire individuals and their communities to improve their health and happiness, and ultimately achieve our goal.