Community members in Crow Wing County have the chance to “March the Mississippi” as part of a community health challenge being launched on March 31st.

The health challenge is sponsored by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and Hubbard Radio. The challenge, named “March the Mississippi,” is designed to motivate people to start or keep exercising and make a healthy lifestyle commitment. Participants are invited to keep track of their miles walked and the challenge will continue until enough miles are recorded by the community to virtually travel down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico and back for a total of 4,700 miles.

“We know that a body in motion stays well and we know that even the littlest of things that we can do help our bodies to stay healthy. We really hope that this challenge helps every single person that’s involved in it learn a little bit more about the value of activity and getting out there and moving,” Stacy Weldon, CRMC Chief Nursing Officer. “And hopefully impact their health.”

Participants are eligible to win prizes such as a $2,000 travel voucher for adults, a new bicycle for kids, and more. For more information on the challenge or to find out how to register, visit www.crmchealthchallenge.org.

By — Rachel Johnson

Lakeland News Lead Reporter