Over 1,000 Miramichiers join the Walking Challenge

At the halfway point of the eight-week Miramichi Walking Challenge, over 1,300 personal walking records have been picked up from local sponsors.

"Our sponsors indicate the public has been very positive about participating in the walking challenge," says Jacqueline Forrest, Miramichi Action for Nutritional Guidance (MANGO) co-ordinator.

She says the Miramichi MANGO advisory committee, which organised the event in partnership with the City of Miramichi and area businesses is very pleased with the current participation level.

"We are very pleased with the event's success and participant's enthusiasm."

Miramichi members of the legislature (MLA), Michael (Tanker) Malley and John Foran are participating in the walk and have challenged each other. To date, Malley says he has been able to walk 30 to 40 minutes most days of the week.

"I'm feeling great, and have even taken off a few pounds."

Foran says he has been walking for one hour at least five days a week and has made the commitment to continue.

Malley also took the initiative to challenge Fredericton North MLA T.J. Burke and the City of Fredericton.

"They have positively responded to the friendly competition, and over the next four weeks will incorporate their active living program 'Move This Way' to compete with the 'Miramichi Walking Challenge' ", says Forrest.

Margie Goodin, a resident of the Miramichi says her family has also taken the Miramichi Walking Challenge one step further by creating the "Goodin Family Fitness Challenge".

"Our family of four has formed two teams in which we keep a log of the amount of physical activity we have completed," says Goodin.

She says at the end of the Miramichi Walking Challenge, the team that has accumulated the most hours will win a monetary prize.

"Active living is becoming part of our daily routine and as a result, we are producing more energy and creating a healthy environment for our family."

Forrest says it is not too late to get involved and participate.

"Personal walking records can be obtained from Yvon's Health and Fitness Centre or at and any Miramichi Irving Mainway or Subway locations."

All personal walking records must be returned to one of the sponsors by November 7. At this time, participants will be eligible to enter a draw to win prizes. The grand prizes include a one-year male and female membership to Yvon's Health and Fitness Centre, a one-year family membership to the Miramichi Cross Country Ski Club, and a 2004 Family Swim Pass.

Participants can also log their progress and personal thoughts about the Challenge online at the Miramichi Walking Blog.