Our walking challenge

This challenge runs twice a year Spring and Autumn.The aim of this challange is to encourage individuals to travel more sustainably by walking, wheeling or cycling which is not only beneficial on our health and wellbeing but also impacts positively on our environment. Participants can walk, wheel and cycle anywhere such as to work, around the park or in your garden and for as long as you like.

Anyone with a heart condition or health problems should speak to their GP first to check how to safely increase their activity levels.

Just a 30-minute walk, cycle or wheeling once a day can make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing, reducing stress and improving productivity. The more time individuals spend walking, wheeling and cycling as part of the challenge, the greater chance individuals have of winning one of the prizes on offer.

There is also a prize for the best photo taken out on your walks, cycles or wheeling, so do make sure to take a look around for anything worth capturing on camera! The theme of our photo challenge is Move More Autumn.

There are many reasons to take part in the Move More Autumn challenge:

• reduce stress and boost your mood
• support your health and wellbeing
• feel more productive, alert and focused
• support Luton’s vision in becoming a carbon neutral town
• strengthen relationships with your colleagues and be part of a fun event
• receive support to achieve your organisation’s sustainability goals
• the chance to explore and discover new places near to you and spend time in nature
• feel more relaxed and sleep better at night
• create new better habits by travelling actively more often
• save money by walking, cycling or wheeling instead of using other forms of transport, both for you and for your organisation, as more exercise means fewer sick days and increased productivity
• the chance to win some amazing prizes for you and your team

You can take part in the Move More Autumn walking, cycling and wheeling challenge if:

• You work for a business situated in Luton
• You can provide evidence of recorded daily and weekly step count totals

The prize categories are:

• Most improved average group step/point count
• Most improved individual step/point count
• Highest accumulated group step/point count
• Highest accumulated individual step/point count
• Best Move More Autumn photo entry taken out and about throughout the Move More Autumn challenge

There will be both group and individual prizes which will include rail travel, Fitbit, gift voucher and a gym pass, recycled bike and much more!

Please follow the steps below to sign up:

Email [email protected] no later than Thursday 12 September 2024 with the following information:

• team name (if part of a team)
• designated team leader’s name (if part of a team)
• organisation
• department
• full name(s) of those taking part
• email address(es) of those taking part
• how you plan to evidence your activity (via smartphone or fitness device)

When the challenge starts it will be time to put on your shoes, get walking or grab your cycle helmet and jump on your bike. It is time to work your way up the weekly leader board good luck!

Not sure where to walk? To help you get started, read:

• some tips to help you increase your step count and factor walking into your schedule.
• Luton cycle map.
• physical activity has many proven benefits for mental health to enjoy your walking