Idaho mayors hit the sidewalks, trails and anywhere they could walk in October to earn money for their community during the annual Mayor’s Walking Challenge, sponsored by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. This year’s challenge attracted a record number of participants, allowing the foundation to award $76,000 to Idaho communities.

“We thank all of the mayors who participated and congratulate those who set great examples for their communities by walking,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle, executive director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. “We appreciate the commitment of Idaho mayors who want their communities to be healthier for everyone.”

The Mayor’s Walking Challenge, put on each October by the Foundation, helps shine a spotlight on the importance of children being physically active. In the seventh year of the challenge, 81 mayors registered and 76 reached the monthly step goal to each earn $1,000 for their community.

Mayors can designate the funds for COVID-19 relief efforts or for programs, projects or equipment that encourage kids to be active. Physical activity and access to healthy foods are two key factors in keeping kids healthy in a time when one in three Idaho children are either overweight or obese.

In past years, mayors have used the funds for parks improvements, providing grants for kids to participate in city recreation programs, walking paths, crosswalks, supporting youth-focused nonprofits and more.

In Bonner County, mayors taking part in the annual challenge were Jim Martin, Priest River; Steve Geiger, Ponderay; Vern Fleisher, East Hope; and William Breen, Hope. In Boundary County, taking part were James R. Staples, Bonners Ferry; and Steve Economu, Moyie Springs.