By Trish Svoboda

Walk Kansas begins its 23rd year on March 31st. Registration opens on March 4th and closes on April 5th. Walk Kansas promotes personal health and well-being by helping participants adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

Those interested can join as a team with up to six members including family, coworkers, friends, community organization members, neighbors, or as part of a faith-based community. Those without a team can join solo.

Explore various routes across Kansas, from Troy to Elkhart along US 56 or from Little Balkans to Nicodemus in the southeastern part of the state. Choose your preferred path and track minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, strength exercises, or steps. Participants may also log their daily intake of fruits and veggies.

Employers are also encouraged to make Walk Kansas part of their employee wellness program by sponsoring employee teams. Employee wellness programs can boost productivity, lower absenteeism rates, diminish work-related stress, foster morale and teamwork, and cultivate a culture centered on health.

Walk Kansas registration is $10 per person and includes a weekly newsletter, access to the online system to track physical activity, and access to exclusive wellness webinars. People who qualify for assistance such as SNAP, TANF, WIC, TEFAP, etc., can participate in Walk Kansas for free. T-shirts are available for an extra fee.

You can register online at walkkansasonline.org or contact your local Extension Office.