Are You Up To The Challenge?

(Maricopa County) Back by popular demand, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department will roll out the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge on Sunday, November 1.

“This is the fifth year we’ve offered the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge. Our visitors love it because it’s open to all user groups - hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers and horseback riders,” stated R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director.

“While the challenge initially started out as a Centennial celebration, we’ve noticed that it’s become a personal challenge to our visitors. The goal of the program is to log 100 miles in 100 days. However, last year, we had 15 individuals hike more than 200 miles, four individuals hike more than 300 miles, and one individual who hiked 554 miles! Collectively, those who completed the Challenge logged 21,239 miles. To put things into perspective, Challenge team members hiked 85% of the way around the circumference of the Earth,” Cardin added.

Why do they do it? Some do it for the health benefits and as a form of physical therapy, while others have formed teams and use it as a social outing to connect with friends and family.

Last year, the department launched a community page on Facebook to give those who participate in the Challenge a place to share milestones, seek out trail recommendations, post photos, and join in on fun activities. The page now has more than 350 fans and continues to grow.

Participating in the Challenge is simple; rules and trail guides may be obtained by visiting a County park or downloading a brochure at http://www.maricopa.gov/parks on November 1. Once participants have completed their trek, trail logs and entry forms may be returned to a County park to be eligible for a grand prize drawing of an annual park pass ($85 value) and $25 Nature Center retail voucher (total value not to exceed $110).

So lace up your hiking boots or running shoes, dust off the mountain bikes, and saddle up those horses because the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge begins on November 1! The program runs through Monday, February 8, 2016.

To recognize those who complete the Challenge, celebrations have been scheduled at seven of the County’s regional parks for Saturday, February 27, 2016. In addition, everyone who completes the Challenge will receive a limited edition tee-shirt at the celebration. For a list of County parks and additional information, visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks.