Campus News

UB, WNY community take more than 300 million steps in 2017 Step Challenge

Jesse Moses and the Hadley Hedgehogs hiked to the Eternal Flame at Chestnut Ridge Park during the 2017 Step Challenge.

Jesse Moses (far right) and the Hadley Hedgehogs hiked to the Eternal Flame at Chestnut Ridge Park during the 2017 Step Challenge. "What better way to get in some steps than a hike to the Eternal Flame with the Hadley Hedgehogs! Yes, we did bring a hedgehog."

By GLENN WALDRON

Published May 16, 2017 This content is archived.

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More than 1,700 people took more than 300 million steps during April as part of the School of Public Health and Health Professions’ (SPHHP) second annual Step Challenge to promote healthy activity and encourage individuals to live healthier lifestyles.

In both years of the challenge, more than 1,000 people took part, and participants exceeded the collective goals of 200 million steps in 2017 and 16 million steps in 2016 — in fact, 1,100 individuals logged more than 195 million steps in 2016.

A total of 75 prizes were awarded to participants during this year's Step Challenge, including iPad Minis, Fitbits, Under Armour backpacks, water bottles, yoga mats and more. Prizes were awarded weekly to participants through random drawings, and grand prizes also were awarded at the end of the contest. In addition, participants received prizes for taking part in the challenge's social media contest by using the hashtag #UBSteps17 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where hundreds of posts were submitted.

The grand prize winners for the 2017 Step Challenge:

  • Most steps: Alan Hibbard.
  • Winning team: Eugina Riollano, Amanda Merner and Vanessa Sandor (Team Part 2).
  • Most improved: Safa Vara.
  • Participation grand prize winner: Brad Belleville.

For more results and information about the 2017 Step Challenge, visit the challenge's website.

The Step Challenge was part of SPHHP's celebration of National Public Health Week (NPHW), which featured more than 30 activities, including guest speakers, seminars and interactive events. The NPHW campaign, which officially takes place each year during the first week of April, serves as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and celebrate public health efforts in communities across the nation and the world. SPHHP's celebration extended throughout the month of April.