Go London 10,000 Steps UK Challenge

The Go London 10,000 Steps UK Challenge would be a workbased/community team event which requires each team member to walk 10,000 steps 7 days a week for 4-6 weeks with the team aiming to walk the whole circumference of the UK.

Last year I worked for a district health board in New Zealand, they had a work-based health promotion competition like the one I have described above. This worked really well in engaging staff members to do 10,000 steps a day, promoting healthy competition whilst at the same time promoting healthier lives and fitness to those involved and the general public. (for more information on the New Zealand program visit www.10000steps.co.nz). It has left a lasting impression on me, you would see people walking around the city with their t-shirts on and going out during work breaks to do a few laps around the local area or hospital in their t-shirts, people would make more trips to the photocopier to get more steps in and take the stairs instead of lifts or escalators. Since returning to the UK and my beloved NHS I have often thought that such a program could achieve great success in London and indeed the rest of the UK.

With the Olympics just around the corner this could be a fantastic opportunity to improve and introduce the element of competition to our city. The media reported this week on how the Canadians are not known for their competitive spirit yet during the 2010 Winter Olympics they displayed a real passion for competition.

For argument’s sake my idea is based on a workbased program, but it could easily be rolled out to community groups, families, schools (some modification for children may be required) etc.

So How Would It Work?
Teams of 4-6 people
Team leader would be delegated by team and then liaise with Borough co-ordinator of 10,000 steps.
Team leader given 10,000 steps pack for each team member – this to include pedometer, t-shirt (with cool logo – of which i have ideas) and water bottle (with logo on) and log book.
Each person is instructed to put pedometer on first thing in the morning and it is to be taken off last thing at night. At the end of the day they record the number of steps they have done in the log book. (the pedometer when placed in appropriate positions can be used whilst cycling, and activities such as swimming could be given a set number of steps)
Each person aims to walk at least 10000 steps a day (or set their own targets)
At the end of each week, each team member feeds back their week total of steps.
Team leader collects team’s results and inputs them to website/to borough 10,000 steps co-ordinator.
Weekly results of each team put on website and charted on a map of UK to show a location of how far they have got. Route on web to start and finish in London (possibly at Olympic site).
Weekly updates on competition to be sent by 10,000 steps borough co-ordinator.

Competition
Overall winner of competition is the team that gets the furthest – London wide and then local borough winners – maybe a prize could be something related to 2012? (this could really help motivate people to sign up to the 10,000 steps competition and participate)
Other prizes for most improved team, most improved player (to be nominated by team leader)
Best team leader
Most innovative way for getting to 10,000 steps
Outstanding achievement award (nominated by team leader) – for the person who has overcome difficulties to join in task, for those that have gone above and beyond 10,000
Team spirit award

Other logistics
Website – this could be a really valuable tool for this activity, mapping team’s progress on map of UK, team captain can upload to the blog, funny stories and inspiring stories of how people are achieving their steps, photos of people in their 10,000 steps gear, other ideas on how to achieve number of steps and it could be used as a way of motivating others.

So that is my idea, let me know what you think of it, any hints and tips, and any ideas on how to make this idea a more inclusive one for all members of society including wheelchair users and those with disabilities greatly received.

This post was submitted by Danielle Ramsey.