Low levels of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, and poor mental health are all determinants of several chronic diseases. These behaviors are now considered major public health concerns and require effective behavior change interventions. Especially during a pandemic when people cannot get to gyms because of closures, facing economic struggles and mental health concerns. Fit Blue is a community-based campaign to increase physical activity and health awareness in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Building physical activity into the day does not require special equipment or a certain location. As participants take part in Fit Blue, they have tools to transition to a more active lifestyle focusing on eating healthier, moving more, and practicing mindfulness.

A smartphone-based application (FitBlueKY) is a four-week walking challenge focused on increasing participant’s participation in regular physical activity, choosing a nutritious diet, and improving health outcomes for Kentucky citizens. As an innovative strategy to improve mental health and increase movement, the Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension implemented the 5K in May 4 week challenge with the goal being finishing a virtual 5K race at the end of the month.  

We had over 600 Kentuckians register for the 5K in May challenge. Over the May 29-31^st, 2020 weekend 370 Kentuckians complete the virtual 5K in May Finish Line Qualtrics form from 85 counties across the Bluegrass.  With 32 participants crossing that 5K finish line for the first time! 83.75% of participants were females. 95% of participants were White and 2% were Black or African American.  Participants ranged in age groups. 17% were in the 18-29 age group, 28% were in the 30 – 39 age group, 25% were in the 40-49 age group, 14% were in the 50-59 age group, and 11% were in the 60-69 age group. We did have one participant who was in the 80 and over age category.

We are so proud of all of our 5K finishers. We loved seeing all of the pictures of families getting active together, furry friends tagging along, and people celebrating all forms of movement. Comments from finishers about the proudest moment of the 5K in May included: “the feeling of accomplishment I had in finishing my first 5K”, “Finish - I can now say I have done a 5K!”, “Today was the first time in a while I’ve been able to complete a run without needing to walk part of the way.”, "Loved spending time with my entire family.", "Finishing my first 5K with my husband." and “Thankful for my health and being able to move.”