Healthy Huntsville team supports city-wide initiative to fight obesity and improve healthy lifestyles through free exercise programs and nutrition education
(Huntsville, AL) – Mayor Tommy Battle will launch his annual 100 Miles – 100 Days Walking Challenge on Wednesday with a brisk walk through the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
The kick-off event will start Aug. 23, at 6 p.m., in the Garden in conjunction with the “Fidos After Five” walkabout. Bring your leashed dog or walk one provided by Animal Services. The Garden is providing free entrance for this event starting at 5:30 p.m.
The Mayor’s 100 Miles – 100 Days Walking Challenge continues through November 30. It is one of many activities sponsored by Healthy Huntsville, a city-wide initiative to promote exercise and nutrition and fight obesity.
Participants can join one of the organized walking events or walk on their own. Use the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama app at walkingworks.com to track your miles. Walkers who complete 100 miles in 100 days will be entered into a drawing for free Fitbits.
A complete list of fall walking events include:
Huntsville Botanical Garden, Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m.
Entrance starting at 5:30 p.m. will be free if you are participating in the walking challenge. Walkers will join “Fidos After Five,” and leashed dogs are welcome on the walk. Huntsville Animal Services will have adoptable dogs and volunteers at the event, too.
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 12:15 p.m.
Join the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology for a one-mile walk along their world-famous double helix path. After the walk, go inside and grab a healthy meal from the Atrium Café.
Jaycee Building & Fairgrounds at John Hunt Park, Thursday, Sept. 21, at 3:30 p.m.
Huntsville Hospital is hosting a free Fun Run (walking friendly!) just for kids. The event benefits Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children’s pediatric oncology.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Thursday, Oct. 12, at 5:30 p.m.
Space & Rocket Center is sponsoring a one-mile walk to celebrate the season’s end of their weekly Biergarten. The walk and entrance into the Biergarten is free. This is a leashed dog-friendly event – please note that dogs are only allowed on the outdoor terrace for Biergarten.
Arts Huntsville, Thursday, Oct. 19, at 12:15 p.m.
Arts Huntsville is excited to host a one-mile walk for creative and art lovers. Walkers will start at the Arts Huntsville office and meander through downtown looking at the sculptures, murals and the Arts Huntsville Pumpkin Patch.
Hays Nature Preserve, Thursday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m.
Join Operation Green Team at Hays Nature Preserve for this free and fun obstacle course walk/run.
S.R. Butler Green at Campus No. 805, Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 5:30 p.m.
Strong Body Studio is eager to take walkers on a 4 lap/circuit challenge at S.R. Butler Green (located between Yellowhammer and Straight to Ale.) Kids 12+ are welcome to participate.
Big Spring Park, Sunday, Nov. 26, at 4: 30 p.m.
Enjoy this fun finale to the Mayor’s Walking Challenge as we partner with Downtown Huntsville Inc. on the first annual Tinsel Trail Trot. The course will include a one-mile run (or walk) in the evening with tree lights leading the way.
Led by Mayor Tommy Battle and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, Healthy Huntsville is sponsored by the following non-profit organizations: City of Huntsville, Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville City Schools, HudsonAlpha, and the Huntsville-Madison County Health Department. These organizations are working with the community to offer free programs throughout the year to help educate our citizens on wellness and good physical health. Our goal is to “Reduce obesity by promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles.” For more information on Healthy Huntsville, contact Ashley Polesak at ashley.polesak@huntsvilleal.gov or call 256-564-8021.
For more information, contact Kelly Cooper Schrimsher, Director of Communication, City of Huntsville, 256-427-5006, kelly.schrimsher@huntsvilleal.gov.
