MADISON – The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is a statewide program designed to inspire all Alabamians to kick-start an active, healthy lifestyle while exploring the state’s beauty and connecting with fellow participants.

“We challenge all Alabamians to walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride or roll 100 miles each year and to do so by visiting Alabama’s many wonderful parks, nature preserves and rivers,” local spokesperson Levoneia Ayers said. Ayers works as Active Adults Program Coordinator with City of Madison Parks & Recreation Department.

“It sounds like an impossible goal to many people, but if you get in just two miles each week, it’s very doable,” Ayers said. “Our lovely state of Alabama has thousands of miles of award-winning trails to explore, and we look forward to seeing members of the Team MadAL Group (with Madison residents) on the trail.”

To register for the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge, visit 100alabamamiles.org and earn electronic badges for milestones and locations that you go to throughout the year. The website lists recreational trails throughout the state.

“Alabama has one of the highest obesity and obesity-related disease rates in the nation. This is due, in part, to a lack of physical activity,” Brian Rushing said. Rushing is Director of Economic Development Initiatives at The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development.

“However, our state is blessed with hundreds of unique outdoor recreational destinations that offer fantastic experiences for all Alabamians to have fun and be active,” Rushing said. “This program is a great way for individuals, friends, and families to set goals for physical activity and to make memories as they explore.”

The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is an initiative of Alabama Trails Commission and University of Alabama Center for Economic Development. The initiative is in partnership with 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 Alabama Obesity Task Force.

“We think 100 Alabama Miles can bring significant health and economic benefits to our part of Alabama, and we are proud that the City of Madison is a partner in encouraging our citizens to participate in this important program,” Ayers said.

To join the Madison group, visit 100alabamamiles.org/groups/group/team-madal. For more information, visit Facebook/100 Alabama Miles Challenge or Twitter #100ALMiles.