MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and its partners will kick off the 2022 season of the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge virtually on Saturday, March 26. The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is a free statewide public program designed to inspire all Alabamians to be active, explore and connect with others by getting 100 miles of physical activity each year.
While participants can walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride or roll to their 100-mile goal anywhere, organizers encourage Alabamians to visit the state’s remarkable parks, nature preserves and rivers with their friends and family. Now beginning its fifth year, participants have logged more than 166,000 miles since the program’s start in 2018.
This year, tracking miles will be even easier for participants thanks to a new partnership with Strava, a popular free digital service that enables users to automatically track their miles using a variety of wearable devices or with a mobile app. When participants register for Strava, they can link their account to 100 Alabama Miles and import their data, logging their miles automatically.
“Partnering with Strava makes participating in the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge easier for anyone looking to get active in 2022,” said Brian Rushing, the program’s coordinator and director of economic development initiatives at The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development. “Using your Fitbit, Apple Watch or even your smartphone, you will be able to capture and log your 100 Alabama Miles seamlessly as you explore our beautiful state.”
Organizers encourage all Alabamians to register at https://100alabamamiles.org/ and join people across the state in getting their first miles of 2022 during the virtual statewide kickoff on March 26. As participants log their miles, they will earn electronic badges for milestones they reach, places they visit and even create teams and compete with others. Those completing the challenge in 2022 will receive coupons for purchases at partnering outdoor retailers.
Organizations who have partnered to develop and sustain this program include The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Alabama Trails Commission, Alabama Trails Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Lakeshore Foundation, Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports, Jefferson County Department of Health, AARP, ADPH and Alabama Obesity Task Force. These organizations have designed the 100 Alabama Miles program to support public health and to enhance economic development through recreational tourism.
