Atlantic has entered the Iowa Cities Walking Challenge as part of Iowa’s October 5 Healthiest State Walk. However, to be counted in the challenge, all walk participants must be registered by midnight, Tuesday, September 27. To register for a walk visit http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/annual-walk/. To incentivize walk participation and registration, area businesses and organizations are donating door prizes. Winners will be drawn from all people who have registered for the walk by midnight, Tuesday, September 27.

All people participating in walks in Atlantic will be counted towards Atlantic’s Cities Walking Challenge, which provides funding to the cities with the most walk participants. A walk Atlantic-area residents may be particularly interested in joining is the walk from the Nishna Valley Family YMCA to Harl Holt Park and back on Wednesday, October 5 at 9:30 AM.
Participants will walk approximately two miles (there and back) along the newly renovated Bull Creek Pathway, learn about area recreational opportunities and trails, and enjoy refreshments from Hy-Vee and Fareway of Atlantic. A few lucky walkers will take a door prize, such as $25 gift cards from Brown’s Shoe Fit of Atlantic.

The Healthiest State Walk is a state-wide initiative that encourages people to “Walk More.  Connect More.” Anyone can register a walk, and workplaces, schools, churches, and other organizations  are encouraged to register a quick 30-minute walk anytime on October 5. For more information visit http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/annual-walk/.

The Healthiest State Walk is spearheaded by Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with the goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. On their blog, Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative shares many benefits to walking including increased energy levels and better sleep, as well as increased blood flow that leads to better cognitive functioning, improved memory, and reduced anxiety and depression.

What: Help us celebrate the renovation of Bull Creek Pathway trail in Atlantic! We’ll walk from the Nishna Valley Family YMCA north parking lot to Harl Holt Park and back.  Expect information on outdoor activities and trails in the area, as well as refreshments and a good time!

Where: Nishna Valley Family YMCA (1100 Maple Street, Atlantic, IA 50022). North parking lot.
Rain location: inside the YMCA

When: Wednesday, Oct. 5, 9:30-10:30 AM

Who: Anyone is welcome!

Cost: No cost! Free giveaways will be provided to participants. Door prizes will be drawn from
participants who have registered online by midnight, Tuesday, Sept. 27 at http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/events/annual-walk/.