A recent employee activity to promote physical health amongst employees resulted in incredible results.
During the Elon University’s 2025 fall walking challenge, 276 employees documented an astounding 51,042 miles walked – over twice the length of Earth’s circumference! Of those who walked, 147 employees completed the 200-mile-walk challenge, which qualified them for the grand prize.
For the past 12 years, the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic has organized a challenge for Elon employees each fall to walk a set distance of miles to build community, have fun and win prizes. A spring challenge was recently added. Each challenge is themed and, in fall 2025, the theme was, “Let’s Go Racing Elon 200,” inspired by NASCAR.
The challenges are organized by Belinda Day, wellness coordinator for the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic. She loves coming up with new themes for the challenges and being creative with the prizes.
“I do the Fall and Spring walking challenge because it keeps me moving, keeps me accountable and reminds me to take time for myself amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life,” she said.
Day added that the challenge provides employees an easy way to practice wellness, both mentally and physically. She coordinates with leadership to schedule the challenges and to ensure the events are aligned with overall wellness goals to foster a more active and engaged work environment while fostering team collaboration and reducing stress.
“I put on the spring and fall walking challenge to give our employees a simple, fun and accessible way to support their health, reduce stress and stay connected as a team.”
-Belinda Day, wellness coordinator for the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic
In spring 2025, the walking challenge theme was “Grand Slam Tennis,” which saw a similar number of walkers participating in teams. This year, 118 teams out of the 151 who entered completed 180 cumulative miles. An additional 71 teams finished the challenge with each team reporting a minimum of 360 miles walked.
“It’s a fun and simple way for everyone to step away from their screens and connect with each other,” said Day. “Plus, I love seeing how these programs not only improve physical health but also build a sense of community in the workplace.”
A new walking challenge will be announced during the spring semester.