Compete at your own pace beginning October 5
JACKSON, Tenn. – Adults are recommended to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, according to the Tennessee Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. To make exercise fun and easy, University of Tennessee Extension Western Region is hosting the 2026 West Tennessee River Walk Challenge from October 5 to November 15.
Over the course of six weeks, participants will walk alone or with others at least 90 miles, the approximate distance between the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers. Competitors will report their progress based on the honor system using smartphones, pedometers, fitness watches or other step-recording devices.
“Walking regularly can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression, decrease arthritis pain, strengthen bones and muscles, improve sleep quality and reduce the effects of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and more,” says Tennille Short, family and consumer sciences Extension agent with UT-TSU Extension Madison County. “Plus, we will have grand prize winners at the end, as well as weekly mini challenges to encourage friendly competition!”
The West Tennessee River Walk Challenge is hosted by the Simple Solutions Cluster of family and consumer sciences Extension agents from the following counties: Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Madison, Obion and Shelby. However, anyone in West Tennessee is invited to participate. While walking is safe to do for most people, talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about starting a walking routine.
Registration is due by October 2 and there is no cost to join. Sign up at tiny.utk.edu/westtnriverwalk2026 or by contacting your local county Extension office. Once registered, please join the Facebook group West Tennessee River Walk by UT-TSU Extension.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.