Jacksonville, AL – Per the city’s public information officer, Ben Nunnally, the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge encourages all Alabamians to get outside and walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride, or roll with family and friends at our parks, nature preserves, and rivers in 2023. Join the City of Jacksonville on April 22 at 11:45 am at the Jacksonville Community Center soccer fields, 501 Alexandria Rd SW, to take part in this fun public event.
The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is a statewide public program designed to inspire all Alabamians to walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride, or roll 100 miles each year. While people can participate at home, in their neighborhood, or at their favorite gym, the program encourages participants to get their miles in by visiting Alabama’s beautiful parks, nature preserves, and rivers with their friends and family. Now in its third year, the program seeks to encourage all Alabamians to be active, go explore, and connect with others.
“The challenge encourages people to get outside to see different parts of Alabama, if they can, but especially to be active,” said Janis Burns, director of Jacksonville’s Parks and Recreation department. “It’s an ‘unplug and play’ kind of thing.”
People can register for the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge at 100alabamamiles.org, where they will earn electronic badges for milestones they reach and places they visit as they log their miles throughout the year. Using the Strava app and their mobile device, participants can automatically track their miles and easily participate in the program. The website enables participants to find recreational trails throughout the state, track their progress individually and by teams, and get important safety and wellness information before they head outside. Organizers encourage participants to share their photos and experiences on social media as they journey to 100 miles using #100ALMiles.
“We are blessed in Alabama with hundreds of unique outdoor recreation destinations and over 5,000 miles of trails that offer fantastic experiences for all Alabamians to have fun and be active. This program is an enjoyable way for people to set goals for physical activity and to make memories as they explore our beautiful state,” said Brian Rushing, the program’s coordinator.
The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is an initiative of the Alabama Trails Commission and The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, in partnership the 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, Alabama Department of Public Health, and the Alabama Obesity Task Force. These partners have created the program to support public health and to enhance economic development through recreational tourism.
Attendees at the kickoff event on April 22 will receive free program logo tee shirts and decals while supplies last, and participate in a 1-mile walk from the Jacksonville Community Center soccer fields to the historic train depot and back. All members of the public are invited.
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