Hundreds lace up sneakers for Walk Across Tennessee
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Hundreds of walkers and runners lace up their sneakers for the 10th year of the Walk Across Tennessee campaign. The 500-mile trek takes place from April 6th to May16th.
“We don’t actually walk across Tennessee, but we log mileage that accumulates,” said Amy Elizer with the UT Ag Extension office in Jackson.
Walkers and for the first time runners too will log 500 miles over a six-week period. “Healthy competition is good when you’re trying to get people active and get them moving in the community and making themselves feel better,” three-year participant Kimberly Butler said.
Butler competes on the “Sole Trotters” team. Elizer said clever team names are encouraged. Teams are made of either four or eight members. “That way if someone is for one week hurt or they can’t run or walk, then they can replace one of the others,” Elizer said.
Butler said racking in the miles is fun and not as challenging as it sounds. “Everyone every week reports their miles, so you get to that 500 mark before you realize it if everybody just does a mile a day,” she said.
Staff say competitors can choose different routines for completing miles including trails, treadmills and hiking.
While some say the hardest step is the first step, Butler offered a little encouragement.
“Small steps every day — a little bit at a time and just let it grow,” she said for those contemplating competing.
Registration must be completed by April 2. More information can be found here.
