County Parks Unveil 100 Miles In 100 Days Challenge

Are you up to a challenge this fall? If so, you'll want to keep reading. On Nov. 1, Maricopa County's Parks and Recreation Department released information on its newest fall challenge, 100 Miles in 100 Days!

"The fall challenge was initially developed as a way to celebrate Arizona's Centennial. However, park visitors had so much fun participating in the program that they've asked the department to make this an annual event," said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Andy Kunasek, District 3.

And that's exactly what the department has done. On Nov. 1, the department rolled out details on the 2013 campaign, 100 Miles in 100 Days.

"What can I tell you about this year's campaign? Well, participating in the 100 Miles in 100 Days challenge is simple and this year it was developed with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers in mind.

"It is somewhat similar to the original 100-Miles of Hiking campaign where participants were required to visit at least three parks in the County's park system to be eligible for the chance to win the grand prize, an annual park pass and $25 Nature Center retail voucher," said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department director.

In addition to racking up miles in the County parks, participants will be able receive credit for miles trekked along the Maricopa Trail.

"The Maricopa Trail is an extensive trail system [that] provides the community with accessible outdoor recreational experiences to open space corridors while protecting the wildlife, natural habitats and cultural resources from commercial development.

"Once completed, the trail will link each of the County's regional parks together by providing approximately 350-miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails," Kunasek added.

The 100 Miles in 100 Days challenge runs through Feb. 8, 2014. To recognize those who complete the challenge, celebrations have been scheduled on Feb. 28, 2014 at seven of the County's regional parks. In addition, everyone who completes the program will receive a limited edition 100 Mile Club tee-shirt at the celebration.

For additional information on the 100 Miles in 100 Days challenge, visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks. Challenge brochures are available for download on the Web site and in the parks.