Success Story20-40-60 Mile Challenge



20-40-60 Mile Challenge

Author: Deborah Messenger

Planning Unit: Cumberland County CES

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Plan of Work: Nutrition, Food Systems and Health Promotions

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

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. The Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Cumberland County Health Coalition to offer a physical activity program for the month of May. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent put together resources for a 20-40-60 Mile challenge offering different levels and amount of miles.

Ten individuals participated in the program and a total of 485 miles were documented for the month of May. The breakdown was as follows:

  1. Four people completed 20+ miles
  2. Two people completed 40+ miles
  3. Four people completed 60 miles

This averages out to 48.5 miles per person in one month. Many of the individuals had participated in the Big Blue Goals Challenge in the winter and stated that they saw this as an opportunity to be held accountable in physical activity and continue to work on their goals.