The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health has offered the Mayor’s Walking Challenge since 2014, giving back nearly $700,000 to Idaho communities in the process.

The challenge takes place in October and is open to every Idaho mayor. The goal is simple: walk at least 5,000 steps per day in the month to earn funds for the community. Mayors who reach the 10,000-step daily threshold earn $1,000.

The deadline to register for this year’s Mayor’s Walking Challenge is September 26. If you’re a mayor who hasn’t signed up, please consider these top 10 reasons why you should walk.

1. You set a great example by walking. You’ve heard the phrase “lead by example.” This is one way to do so, encouraging others to be active simply by being active yourself.
2. It’s an opportunity to show your support of the city. We’ll alert your local news outlets to inform them of your participation. Here are some recent examples from Malad, Ponderay, and Rexburg.
3. You can become an influencer. Let’s give it up for the mayor of Drummond!
4. You find out what it’s like to walk in your community. You can identify problems, and brainstorm potential fixes or improvements to make your city safer for pedestrians and kids walking to school.
5. Walking is a stress reducer. Walking is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Fall and winter can be stressful with the election season and preparing for holidays, and walking can help lessen any stress you may experience. The movement you get from walking can help your physical well-being.
6. You can earn bonus steps. Bonus steps help you reach step goals. You earn them for doing fun things such as walking with kids at school, walking in a Halloween costume or posting on social media.
7. October is ideal. The weather is usually great, and there are many things to do outside in that month to get steps. Apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, tailgaiting at the local school’s football game, coffee walks, etc. Find a fun activity and get steps while enjoying it.
8. A hall pass. You have a great excuse to leave work early or come in late. “I had to get my steps in for the Mayor’s Walking Challenge” is a 100-percent accepted excuse.
9. Show me the money. You can earn up to $1,000 for a program or project that promotes physical activity. You can donate it to a local school or save toward a larger project.
10. A chance to engage your residents. Go to places outside city hall and have conversations with residents who aren’t regulars at your City Council meetings. You might learn something that can benefit you and the city.