Registration for this year’s Walk to Tuk fitness program is now open.
The program, operated by the NWT Recreation and Parks Association, encourages teams of people to walk the equivalent of the distance along the Mackenzie River from Fort Providence to Tuktoyaktuk – some 1,658km.
This year, teams have from January 4 until February 29 to collectively walk the distance. One hour of walking translates to 5km for teams of 10 or fewer people, or 4km for teams of 11 or more.
Activities like jogging and skiing also count.
Yellowknife resident Sheena Tremblay devised the program. She’s hoping to build off last year’s record event.
“Last year was our biggest year yet when we had over 2,500 people participate from 24 communities and about 188 registered teams.
“It’s really good motivation because you’re doing it as a team so you have to help out other members to reach a goal.”
Back in February, Walk to Tuk just missed out on a million-dollar prize after being named a finalist in a national contest where a public vote decided the fate of up to $1-million in funding.
Had the NWT-based program won, Tremblay said she would’ve taken it national.
Even though a walking school bus service from Montreal ended up winning, Tremblay hopes the attention will increase participation for this year’s event.
“I definitely think it helped raise our profile. The program was showcased nationally so I know we received a lot more interest from a national level.
“I really hope that increases participation this year.”
