Annual 100 Alabama Miles Challenge Partners with Strava

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development and its partners will kick off the 2022 season of the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge March 26.

The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is a free statewide public program designed to inspire all Alabamians to be active, go explore and connect with others by getting 100 miles of physical activity each year. While participants can walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride or roll to their 100-mile goal anywhere, organizers encourage Alabamians to visit the state’s remarkable parks, nature preserves and rivers with their friends and family. Now beginning its fifth year, participants have logged more than 166,000 miles since the program’s start in 2018.

This year, tracking miles will be even easier for participants thanks to a new partnership with Strava, a popular free digital service that enables users to automatically track their miles using a variety of wearable devices or with a mobile app. When participants register for Strava, they can link their account to 100 Alabama Miles and import their data, logging their miles automatically.

“Partnering with Strava makes participating in the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge easier for anyone looking to get active in 2022,” said Brian Rushing, the program’s coordinator and director of economic development initiatives at UACED. “Using your Fitbit, Apple Watch or even your smartphone, you will be able to capture and log your 100 Alabama Miles seamlessly as you explore our beautiful state.”

Organizers encourage all Alabamians to visit 100alabamamiles.org to register and join people from across the state in getting their first miles of 2022 during the virtual statewide kickoff Saturday, March 26. As participants log their miles, they will earn electronic badges for milestones they reach and places they visit, and they can even create teams and compete with others. Those completing the challenge in 2022 will receive coupons for purchases at partnering outdoor retailers.

UACED’s partners in developing and sustaining this program include the Alabama Trails Commission, Alabama Trails Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Lakeshore Foundation, Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports, Jefferson County Department of Health, AARP, Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Obesity Task Force. These partners have designed the 100 Alabama Miles program to support public health and to enhance economic development through recreational tourism.

Founded in 1987, The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development serves as a gateway to technical assistance resources at The University of Alabama. Through the utilization of professional staff and customized project teams, UACED assists communities, agencies and organizations in taking an “asset-based” planning approach to economic development opportunities. One of UACED’s goals is to address the economic development needs of rural and urban communities throughout Alabama.

100 Alabama Miles website

Details:
Create a free online account and track your miles of activity throughout the year.