Walking Gators to journey from Big Apple to Swamp on virtual walking trip

September 24, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Healthy Gators 2010 Walking Gators program encourages all faculty, staff and students to lace up their walking shoes and kick off a “virtual trip” from New York City to Gainesville Sept. 29.

The program consists of six routes throughout campus, each about 20 minutes long, which are walked every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the lunch hour. All participants’ miles will be collectively totaled throughout the “virtual trip” to reach goals and featured cities along the path.

“If you’re having a busy workday, it’s a nice way to distress and clear your head,” said Michele Shank, captain of a new route, the Pony Field Express, which starts at 11:30 a.m. from the Cancer and Genetics Research Complex.

Chris Machen, chairwoman of Healthy Gators 2010 and UF first lady, encourages participants to reach this semester’s group goal of 1,133 miles.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone to take a break during their work day and do something healthy for themselves,” Machen said. “We hope this helps members of The Gator Nation start the fall semester on the right foot.”

Route captains set a goal for participants to reach Gainesville by Dec. 14. Along the way, walkers will receive fun facts about Richmond, Va., and Charlotte, N.C., the featured cities of the trip.

Participants will receive a ticket to be entered into a drawing each time they walk and can 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. Attendees will also receive a free towel and water bottle while supplies last.

Walking Gators was established to offer UF faculty, staff and students the opportunity to meet new people, get some physical activity and de-stress during the work day. Approximately 6,500 collective miles have been walked since the program began in January 2008. For more information about the Walking Gators, the virtual trip and detailed route maps, please visit HealthyGators.hhp.ufl.edu or call 352-392-1161, ext. 4281.