Top 11 Ways to Promote Fall Walking

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Autumn is an ideal time to implement a walking campaign. Temperatures are invigorating and the colors are spectacular. Vacations are over and the holidays haven’t quite arrived, making it the perfect time to get people into a regular walking routine that will carry them right through winter. Here are a few creative ideas from our Walktober campaign:

1. Pumpkin Pageant — Hold a pumpkin carving or painting contest, with program registration at the contest site. The individual or team with the best design wins fun fall prizes like a T-shirt or sweatshirt.
2. Rake ’Em In — Have staff members wear autumn colors and pins that say "Ask me how to register for Walktober!"
3. Walktoberfest — Sponsor a lunch with healthy foods and mugs of hot apple cider. Make registration forms available.
4. Passive Promotions — Place activity signs throughout your site. For example, next to the elevator, post "Did you know taking the stairs could help you win a Walktober T-shirt?"
5. Color Tour — Arrange a walk at a local park or nature reserve when leaves are in peak season. Offer participants Walktober incentives like safety strobes.
6. Don’t Fall Short — Post notices around the building with ideas for getting more steps. Examples: "Park in Lot B and log 100 more steps" or "Use the stairs and add 45 more steps to your day."
7. Recipe Round-Up — Ask Walktober participants to turn in their favorite hearty fall recipes, then email to participants. Offer a prize (like the official Walktober cookbook EatingWell’s Comfort Foods Made Healthy) for the most original, tasty, or healthy recipe.
8. An Apple a Day — Recognize participants who are keeping up with their goals. Place a fresh apple on their desk or work area with a note of encouragement.
9. Walktober Relay — Foster support by sponsoring a relay where participants from different areas of your organization create a 4-person team and walk at a nearby park or track. Award prizes for the fastest team finish or the most combined steps.
10. Full Moon Walk — Host an after work walk on October 22 (full moon October 23) to celebrate a month of walking.
11. Ask participants to email creative ways to get in more daily steps. Each week, randomly draw an email for a prize like a gift certificate for lunch or a Walktober water bottle. Post the ideas in a common area.

For more information on Walktober, go to www.Walktober.com or call 800.326.2317.