Why Did The Chicken Walk Across the Road?

The University Stepped Up For This Year's Walk In Challenge

How many walkers does it take to screw in a lightbulb? 
Beats me…we’re out enjoying the Spring weather!  --
(4/6/07 post by Paul Nordby to the WalkIn website)

photo by Elena Fox Walk In participants gather for Walk of the Week despite the slightly damp weather.

During the month of April, 435 people—42 teams and 122 solo walkers — strolled, skipped or sauntered into spring with the 5th Annual WalkIn Challenge. New teams like the Cellulite Sisters (Housing & Food Services) and the Hot Lab Hotties (Nuclear Medicine) tracked their treks for fun and prizes in competition with such returning teams as the Sensible Shoes and the Biology Bipeds.

It’s easy to participate in the WalkIn Challenge, whether you walk a little or a lot, and new walkers are particularly welcome. Every walk counts, whether it’s a commute walk, a lunch walk, a walk to a meeting or for an errand, as long as it’s part of your work or school day. Those living beyond practical walking distance can participate by getting off the bus early and walking the last mile to campus or to home.

“Walkers are such an inclusive group,” says Public Information Specialist Elena Fox, who coordinates the event. “Participation crosses all ages and departments. I especially enjoy the Walk of the Week. Mondays at noon people gather at Drumheller Fountain and set off alone or in groups for walks on the campus or the Burke Gilman Trail.”

Regular WalkIn participant Bellary (Sam) Syamasundaram suggested the Walk of the Week several years ago and continues to nurture the activity with his enthusiasm. This year a total of 53 people have participated in the Walk of the Week, sometimes sporting umbrellas or donning rain gear to do so.

A WalkIn Awards Celebration Luncheon will be held in May for all team captains, and individuals completing 16 or more commute walks or all five Walks of the Week. Individuals and teams will be honored for Most Points and Most Miles. An additional award will go to the team with the Most New Walkers.

If you missed this year’s WalkIn Challenge, watch for the 2008 event.Even though the challenge is over, you can still enjoy the beauty of spring with your own walks. Check Walking Resources for links, including an online pedometer that precisely calculates the point-to-point distance of your walking trip.

The U-COMMUTE News is published twice a year for staff and faculty. For additional information, visit our web site at http://www.washington.edu/commuterservices/index.php. Your suggestions and comments are welcome. Please contact the Transportation Office at upass@u.washington.edu, 206.543.0450 or Box 355212.