Walk the World

The Walk the World logo

Phileas Fogg may have circumnavigated the world on boats, trains and even elephants, in Jules Verne’s epic novel Around the World in 80 Days, but the challenge for members of staff at Aberystwyth University is whether they can complete the journey on foot in the same time.

Free pedometers are on offer to those who are willing to take part in the Walk the World Challenge 2011, a new fitness imitative which is being launched by the University’s Health, Safety and Environment Office - http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hse/.

Using the pedometers, participants will need to record every step they take and load the information in to a web base calculator which will provide a running - or should that be walking - total. The target distance, measured in steps of course, is 48,800,000.

Dr Helen Williams from the University’s Health, Safety and Environment Office is overseeing preparations and will provide updates as the journey progresses. “The aim of Walk the World Challenge 2011 is to get people walking more and enjoy some of the health benefits that result from a more active life,” she said.

“This is a fitness regime that doesn’t require you to go to the gym, swimming pool, or go out running on bleak winter evenings. It’s simply about walking more in the office and at home and keeping a record of how many steps you take.”

“If you work in front of a computer screen all day why not go for a walk at coffee time or at lunchtime. Many seem to be unaware of the fact that display screen equipment injuries borne from long hours working on computers are one of the leading causes of occupational ill health today,” she added.

The challenge starts on Monday 31st January and the challenge will be to complete the journey on or before Wednesday 20th April.

To register for Walk the World Challenge 2011 and receive your free pedometer, contact Helen Williams on hew@aber.ac.uk / 2169.

AU07/11

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