West Virginians took to the sidewalks, streets and trails this summer, walking more than 10,000 miles, with West Virginia University Extension Service’s Summer Steps walking program and challenge.

The walking program aims to encourage people across the state to work together while they participate in an active lifestyle, and serves as a competition between counties to accumulate walking steps and miles during the summer months.

“Summer Steps continues to help West Virginians keep an active lifestyle because it gives them a goal to work towards,” explained Elaine Bowen, WVU Extension’s health promotions specialist.

Monongalia County contributed the most “summer steps” by accruing more than 2,400 miles countywide. They will receive a sign that designates them as a “LiveWell Community” in West Virginia.

They will also receive a free walkability study which will be conducted by the WVU Extension Service’s Community, Economic and Workforce Development unit.

Pendleton County completed the program with the second highest walking distance, in excess of 1,800 miles, and Mineral County took third place with nearly 1,000 miles walked.

The West Virginia Association of Counties partnered with Extension to organize and promote this program to encourage community-based walking groups in counties across the state. More than 30 counties participated to stay on track or get on track to live a healthier lifestyle with the help of the program.

This year marked the third-year anniversary of Summer Steps which started June 1 and ended Aug. 31.

For more information on health and wellness initiatives in your community, contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service or visit ext.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

bg/09/26/14

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735 or Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

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