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Stepping into the Final Weeks of the Mayor’s Walking Challenge

Published on October 25, 2016

Max your mileage this week with Arts Huntsville and HudsonAlpha walks in the Healthy Huntsville Mayor’s 100-Day 100-Mile Walking Challenge

Strap on your walking shoes! With just under six weeks left in the Mayor’s 100 Mile – 100 Day Walking Challenge, Healthy Huntsville is offering two fun walking events this week to help participants clock those miles and reach their goals.

On Thursday, Arts Huntsville and WHNT News 19 Weekend Anchor Megan Brantley will host a lunchtime arts walk around downtown Huntsville. Walkers should meet at noon in front of the VBC playhouse on Monroe Street to embark on a guided tour of downtown art, sculpture and creative pumpkins in the Arts Huntsville Pumpkin Patch.

“Staying active today, even with a simple walk, leads to a healthier life tomorrow,” said Megan Brantley of WHNT News 19. “What better way to stay healthy than with a walk through Huntsville’s beautiful downtown while getting to experience public art and community creativity along the way!”

Thursday’s walk will conclude at the VBC Playhouse. Should participants need to use their cars to get to the walking event, free parking is offered across the street in the Monroe Street parking garage.

On Friday, Oct. 28, Healthy Huntsville partner HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will host a brisk, one-mile walk around its famous double helix path in McMillian Park. HudsonAlpha co-founder Jim Hudson and Huntsville City Council President Will Culver will lead the Friday walk from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

“HudsonAlpha works every day to improve human health and quality of life, and that’s what Healthy Huntsville is all about,” said Hudson. “We are proud to be a part of this initiative and support a healthier community.”

Participants should plan to meet at the entrance to the Double Helix, 601 Genome Way Northwest. Following the walk, participants are welcome to dine at the HudsonAlpha Café and enjoy a healthy lunch menu.

Mayor Tommy Battle says he reached his 100 miles about two weeks ago and is working toward a new record this year. He challenges citizens to join him in stepping up and stepping out to improve fitness and combat obesity.

The 100- Mile 100-Day Walking Challenge runs through December 1. For more information on the fitness challenge, or to register for prizes, visit huntsvilleal.gov/walkingchallenge. Healthy Huntsville events are posted on the City’s web calendar and on Facebook.