Walking Gators to journey to Chicago on a 'virtual walking trip'

January 14, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Healthy Gators 2010 Coalition’s Walking Gators program encourages all faculty, staff and students to lace up their walking shoes and kick off the beginning of a “virtual trip” to Chicago on Tuesday.

The program consists of five routes throughout campus, each approximately 20 minutes long, which will be used by walkers every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the lunch hour. All participants’ miles will be collectively totaled throughout the “trip” to reach goals measured by distance and featured cities along the path.

Route captains have set a goal for participants to collectively walk approximately 1,500 miles during spring semester, reaching Chicago by Thursday, April 30. Walkers will receive fun facts about featured cities along the way, including New Orleans, Memphis, Tenn., and St. Louis.

“It’s a new year, which brings new resolutions for everyone and a new adventure for the Walking Gators,” said Shirley Haberman, captain of the Swamp Route. “Traveling from city to city and entering to win gift certificates to some of my favorite restaurants, just for doing something as simple as walking, sounds good to me!”

Participants will receive a ticket from the route leader each time they walk and will be entered into a drawing to win gift certificates to local restaurants. Monthly drawings will be held three times during the semester. One $30 gift certificate and two $10 gift certificates will be awarded at each drawing.

The program will continue during the fall semester, returning from Chicago to Gainesville by Dec. 17. The route will travel to new cities, including Nashville, Tenn., Charlotte, N.C., and Charleston, S.C.

“We’re ready to put on our walking shoes and get moving to reach our goals for this year,” said Cassandra Howard, director of Living Well. “We encourage everyone on campus to join us on our journey and take a short, active break during the work day.”

The Walking Gators was established to offer students, faculty and staff the opportunity to meet new people, get fresh air and de-stress during the work day. Approximately 4,200 collective miles have been walked since the program’s kickoff in January 2008.

For more information about the Walking Gators and the trip details, please visit HealthyGators.hhp.ufl.edu or call 352-392-9767, ext. 1.