Step into spring with annual safer, greener, healthier walking challenge

Residents can win prizes by walking 35,000 steps a week, or 5,000 steps a day.

The third annual Safer, Greener, Healthier walking challenge launches on Monday (1 April).

The Step into Spring challenge will run for six weeks to Sunday 12 May and is being run in collaboration with the free wayfaring and walking app, Go Jauntly.

Many Essex residents have already signed up to walk 35,000 steps a week, or 5,000 steps a day. The challenge is open throughout the six-week period for registration.

Residents living within the Essex County Council area are eligible to win prizes during the challenge.

One participant each week will be in with a chance of winning an annual Go Jauntly Premium Membership. In addition, there will be three overall winners announced at the end of the challenge.

The prizes are:

• Gold - Fitbit up to the value of £50
• Silver - All4One £50 voucher
• Bronze - £25 Etsy voucher 

Last year’s challenge saw participants logging over 213 million steps, the equivalent of 162,550 km walked. Of all the participants, 63% agreed that the challenge encouraged them to walk more than they usually would. 

The challenge is part of the council’s ambition for Essex to become safer, greener and healthier. The aim is to offer residents a choice in how they travel and encourage walking, cycling or taking the bus or train, rather than automatically using a car. 

Find out more on Go Jauntly.