The 2021 Kids Count data ranks Kentucky 38^th nationally in youth health, and 14% of Kentucky's children live in a high-poverty area, an adverse community environmental factor that impacts a child's ability to thrive (KYA, 2022). These high-poverty communities often struggle with equitable access to indoor and outdoor spaces. This inequity is heightened in winter due to fewer daylight hours and colder outdoor temperatures. Given physical activity is a key component of youth health, this creates a barrier for youth in these communities. Young people should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity no less than five days a week. 

Unfortunately, data shows that only 43.8% of middle schoolers and 37.4% of high schoolers reach that level of activity (KDE, 2020). This decline in physical activity with age continues into adulthood with only 32% of adults reaching the recommended amount of daily physical activity (CDC, 2020). On average youth physical activity reduces by 20 minutes per day during winter months (Atkin, 2016). This drop in physical activity has been identified as an area of concern by youth leaders in the state. In response, the 4-H program has implemented the 4-H Winter Dash for a second year. 

Winter Dash is a self-paced marathon that started November 1^st and ended February 28^th at the conclusion of 4-H Health Month. Individuals were challenged to walk, run, or roll a marathon during the winter months and submit logs of their progress. While there was no winner, the event provided accountability and friendly competition for youth to continue being active. Participants reported “this really helped me stay active this winter” and “helped me be accountable to myself and my health goals."

Over the course of the four coldest months for Kentucky, 70 individuals logged their physical activity and walked/ran/rolled 3,745.62 miles in 32 counties! Of the 70 individuals who logged their activity, 44 completed a full marathon. Lined up end to end this is just over the distance from LA to New York. As part of this effort 2 Boyle County youth contributed 30.3 miles.