Teams are forming and registration is open for the 2016 Walk Kansas program, which this year runs April 3 through May 28. It is open to all Kansans across the state.
The K-State Research and Extension program involves teams of six people working toward a common goal – typically to walk at least 150 minutes per person per week either together or individually – which is the equivalent of walking the 423 miles across Kansas over eight weeks. Other options are available for those wanting a greater challenge.
“We are busy here in Barton County getting people signed up for the 2016 version of Walk Kansas,” said Donna Krug, Barton County extension agent.
Information and registration is available on the website www.walkkansas.org. Sign up is requested by March 25. Registration is also available at K-State Research and Extension offices across the state.
Don’t have enough friends, colleagues or family members to form a team of six? Kansans can register as an individual and will be added to a team.
There is a small fee for adults, but children and teenagers (through high school age) can participate on teams for free by registering at a local K-State Research and Extension office. In cases where a teacher is registering students, the teacher is not charged.
“As in the past, all forms of physical activity done for at least 10 minutes counts,” Krug said. She also encourages team members to track there fruit and vegetable consumption because the Walk KS program combines healthy eating along with regular physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“One neat thing we are offering to everyone who pays the $8 registration fee this year,” she said. On Wednesday, April 13, there will be a Wise Bucks Buffet luncheon at the Great Bend Recreation Commission Burnside Room, 12th and Stone.
There will be several choices of items to pick from and the participants will spend play money to purchase their lunch, Krug said. Items with more fat or added sugar will cost more than the healthier fare.
She asks team members to RSVP for the Wise Bucks Luncheon by Friday, April 8, so that we can plan the food choices.
A separate, new event this year is the Walk Kansas 5K for the Fight to benefit the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University. Registration is optional and separate for this event, which is set for May 7 in Manhattan. It includes the choice of a 5K run/walk or a 1.5-mile walk. Register online for the Walk Kansas 5K For The Fight at runsignup.com/Race/KS/Manhattan/WalkKansas5K for a reduced price of $22 for the 5K or $20 for the walk if paid before March 25.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate and/or vigorous activity a week, and muscle strengthening activities are recommended at least two days per week, said Sharolyn Jackson, Walk Kansas coordinator. Less than half of Kansas adults meet the minimum recommendations for physical activity, and just 19 percent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.
