Registration begins for 24th annual Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days®

Registration is underway now for the Wellness Center at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital's annual Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days® campaign.

Participants can sign up individually or form teams and organize for their own business/organization. Registration deadline is April 13.

This year’s program will run from April 16 through July 24. Now in its 24th year, the program encourages participants to develop the habit of walking at least one mile a day as a form of exercise.

“Last year, we had approximately 4,100 people, including more than 4,000 employees and family members and 100 participants from the community, in a sustained exercise program, making Walk 100 Miles in 100 Days® the largest exercise program in the state,” Dave Harshbarger, wellness manager for Ruby Memorial Hospital and the WVU Health Sciences Center, said.

Participants can track and record all miles completed without a cap.

Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for developing heart disease. West Virginia typically ranks near the top of the list, having more heart disease per capita than any other state.

“Regular exercise is a way to prevent heart disease, as well as obesity, another problem in West Virginia,” Harshbarger said. “This is a great opportunity to get regular exercise, do something healthy with friends and family, plus have fun.”

The kick-off walk will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, from the front of the hospital. All are welcome and will gather in the lobby, then go for a one-mile walk (weather permitting).

For more information, call 304-293-2520. Registration information is available online at http://wvumedicine.org/thewellnesscenter.