Kansas residents are rallying for the 2025 Walk Kansas challenge, a health and fitness program celebrating its 25th year. Sharolyn Jackson, a family and consumer sciences specialist with Kansas State Research and Extension and Walk Kansas coordinator, emphasizes that “fun” has always been at the heart of the program.

Walk Kansas is a team-based challenge encouraging participants to walk, jog, roll, bike, swim, or engage in other enjoyable physical activities. The program attracts over 5,000 participants annually. Teams of six set goals to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly for eight weeks. Combined exercise minutes equate to approximately 423 miles, the distance across Kansas.

Registration for the 2025 program opens March 4. Teams assign a captain and can choose from additional challenges on the Walk Kansas website. Solo participants are welcome, and residency in Kansas is not required.

Participants can track exercise, fruit, vegetable, and water consumption through an online system, with resources on chronic disease prevention, safety, and more.