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Walk Across Arkansas is back for its fall event, Sept. 13 – Nov. 7. 

The eight-week exercise program is organized each spring and fall by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, with the goal of helping Arkansans improve their health. Participation is free, and registration opens August 30 online at walk.uada.edu. 

“This spring, Clark County participants logged an incredible 24,987 minutes of exercise with the Clark County Diehard team placing 15th out of 201 teams,” said JoAnn Vann, Clark County FCS agent. “We hope to set a new record this year of 10 teams.” 

Last spring, 798 Arkansans statewide participated in the Spring 2021 Walk Across Arkansas, logging 1,347,389 minutes. There were 201 participating teams across the state. Many of those participants reported they had more energy, slept better, controlled stress, strengthened relationships, lost weight or inches, and improved their blood panels and blood pressure.  

This event focuses on physical activity minutes and helping participants increase their physical activity. Physical activity can lower the risk of early death, coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and some cancers, according the Centers for Disease Control. Exercise also helps with weight loss and weight control and can improve mood and energy level.

Adults should get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, and youth need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. 

“This program is ideal for business owners and community groups who wish to offer a wellness challenge to employees and members at little cost in time or money,” Vann said. “A little friendly competition can keep members motivated and accountable for improving health-related behaviors like increasing physical activity. For individuals, having friends with similar goals can help you stay on track. Many folks really enjoy the social aspect and

like to walk together. If you work full-time, you may need to walk whenever you can, but your team is there to motivate and support you.”

To participate, find a few friends to form a team and register at walk.uada.edu. Then, from Sept. 13 to Nov. 7, record the amount of time you spend walking or getting any other form of exercise. 

Minutes can be logged online, or you can contact your local county extension agent for paper forms to track minutes until they can be logged online. For more information about Walk Across Arkansas, contact Vann at 870-246-2281 or email jvann@uada.edu. 

About the Division of Agriculture 

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system. 

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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