Join the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge on Celebrate Trails Day

100 Alabama Miles Challenge
100 Alabama Miles Challenge in 2019. Photo via 100 Alabama Miles Challenge

This Saturday, April 24th, the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development and its partner organizations will kick off  the 2021 season of the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge. Accompanying this year’s launch is the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Celebrate Trails Day.

Read on to learn how YOU can participate in BOTH this weekend.

100 Alabama Miles Challenge

Beginning its fourth year, participants in the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge have logged a total of over 146,000 miles since the program’s inception in 2018.

The 100 Alabama Miles Challenge is a statewide public program designed to inspire all Alabamians to be active, explore, and connect with others by getting 100 miles of physical activity each year. Simply put, the goal of the “Challenge” is to enlist participants to walk, run, hike, bike, swim, paddle, ride or roll to their 100-mile goal. 

Sign-up

Dog Hikes
Walking at Wheeler National Wildlife Reserve. Photo via Matthew Kroschel for The Bama Buzz

How do you join the 100 Alabama Mile Challenge? Here are some tips on how to join and make the challenge fun and exciting. 

  • First things first. Register at 100alabamamiles.org 
  • Visit a trail or park and then share your experiences via social media using the hashtag #100ALMiles 
  • Log your miles on the website
  • Earn electronic badges for milestones 
  • Create teams and compete with others

Start the Challenge Saturday with Celebrate Trails Day

Chief Ladiga
Riding on the Chief Ladiga Rail to Trail. Photo via Pete Conroy

This year, in lieu of a big public kick-off because of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers are encouraging participants to register for Celebrate Trails Day at:

www.railstotrails.org/experience-trails/celebrate-trails/  (Be one of the first 150 to RSVP will earn great prizes from program sponsors)   

“Partnering with Celebrate Trails Day is a natural fit for the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge because both programs seek to heighten public awareness and use of our trail resources,” said Brian Rushing, the coordinator for the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge and the director of economic development initiatives at UACED. 

Looking for a trail? Visit the Rails to Trails Conservancy “TrailLink”. This site has 57 trails listed in their inventory to choose from.

Join Today!

100 Miles
100 Alabama Miles Challenge in 2019. Photo via 100 Alabama Miles Challenge

Joining the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge and getting out on the trails are easy. According to Rushing:

“Whether it’s in our state parks, national forests, local parks and greenways, or our beautiful blueways, anyone looking for a trail can find one to suit their needs and interests at 100alabamamiles.org,” 

Join the challenge and celebrate on a trail this Saturday, April 24th. You won’t regret it!

Pat Byington
Pat Byington
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