There’s less than one week left of this year’s Walking Challenge, and to date, 74 teams have crossed the Rome finish line having walked, cycled or ran at least 1,160.3 km since the challenge started in April!
The top five teams leading the way, having covered over 14,000 km combined, are currently:
1st Ortho is the “Hip”est 3,514.3 km
2nd No Clucks Given! 3,250.8 km
3rd Wishaw Sole sisters 2,927.5 km
4th Alive and Kicking 2,765.9 km
5th Curly & the CAMHS Crew 2,256.2 km
But there is still time to get your team into one of the top spots!
Part of Ortho is the ‘Hip’est who are currently in 1st place, Andrew Cruikshank, rotational physiotherapist, University Hospital Wishaw, said: “Our team are really enjoying the challenge. We are all fairly active at the best of times as we have; a keen dog walker, a runner, a member who is at the gym regularly and 2 keen cyclists.
“The challenge has pushed us to become even more active, as we all now go for walks on our breaks. We are all competitive to and find ourselves competing with each other within the team and not just with the other teams in the challenge.”
Although it’s not all about coming top, Evelyn Brand, health improvement senior – Health Improvement is part of the team Clydesdale & Hamilton Locality Health Improvement Walking Challenge Team and shared what walking has meant to her: “I had a hip replacement last April and walking was a huge part of my recovery journey.
“The first time I walked outdoors after my operation, I only made it to the first lamp post, and I kept increasing this and building up gradually from there. Like everyone, I have had my ups and downs, but it has all been well worth it.
“The NHS Walking Challenge has actually helped me realise how frequently I walk, I enjoy being outdoors – rain, snow or sunshine!
“I normally walk 3/4 times a week. There are many beautiful walks in Lanarkshire and recently have started exploring and walking in the rest of Scotland which has proved to be incredibly enjoyable.
“Walking was part of my recovery routine, but I really can’t imagine not spending most of my free time doing it now – I love it!”
Simon Martin, health improvement senior – Healthy Working Lives, NHS Lanarkshire said: “Well done to everyone taking part and walking their way through Italy, it’s been a great effort from all involved!”
