Campus Recreation

An illustration of different types of shoes, with text reading: "Walktober"

Walktober

Welcome to Walktober 2024!

Walk and Roll!

Walktober is a free, 31-day health promotion challenge designed to motivate and inspire the PSU community to become more active, wherever you are. Set personal goals, enjoy friendly competition, participate in weekly challenges, and earn prizes as you get outside and increase your step count—whenever and wherever you want! Complete the Walktober 2024 registration form and participate as an individual or team, then get walking or rolling!

One of the best parts of Walktober is the opportunity to participate with a team. This year we will continue to create teams based on things walkers might have in common, so if you’d like to be on a team but do not yet have one—we’ve got you covered! Upon registering for the individual challenge via ChallengeRunner, you will be able to select a team to join—just look for any team that says “Open Team.” These groups do not need to meet up in person, it’s simply a way to build connections across campus and enjoy the added motivation of participating with a team. 

 

The New Strides

  • Just getting started? Join the New Strides and take your first strides towards a healthier lifestyle. This group is perfect for anyone looking to try new hobbies, improve their fitness, and build lasting habits. Best suited for those currently averaging ~5,000 steps or less per day.

The Pathfinders

  • Ready to take it up a notch? The Pathfinders are here to help you elevate your routine and challenge yourself. This team is for those who already have a solid fitness foundation and want to keep pushing forward. Best suited for those currently averaging ~5,000-10,000 steps per day.

The Marathon Masters

  • Are you a seasoned fitness enthusiast? The Marathon Masters are for those who live and breathe competition. Join fellow fitness pros and push your limits in a high-energy, goal-driven environment. Best suited for those currently averaging 10,000+ steps per day.

The Walk & Talkers

  • Looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people? The Walk & Talkers is all about enjoying the journey. Whether you're here for the sights, the chats, or just the company, this team is your perfect fit. Best suited for those whose average step count currently varies on social opportunities and the desire to explore your local community.

Step Ambassadors

  • Connect with your peers and get your steps in with the Step Ambassadors. This group is ideal for Campus Rec/PSU staff who want to network, represent, and stay active while supporting the Walktober mission. Best suited for those whose average step count currently varies on professional commitments or schedule flexibility.
     

If you have questions or would like to request accommodations, please contact our Walktober team at walktober@pdx.edu. We’d love to hear from you!

Register

Register for Walktober

Our registration process is easy and opens Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Simply fill out the registration form and follow the link to ChallengeRunner to create an account. You can choose to participate solo or as part of a team of 4-10 members. Youth are also welcome to join the challenge!

For more info on using ChallengeRunner, including how to sync it with a fitness device or smartphone (not required) check out this ChallengeRunner guide.

Register here about Two people in boots, walking on a forest trail with leaves and branches on the ground.

Manual Step Tracking Guide

ActivitySteps per minute
Walking, 30 min mile (2 mph)76
Walking, 20 min mile (3 mph)100
Walking, 15 min mile (4 mph)152
Running, 12 min mile178
Running, 10 min mile222
Running, 8 min mile278

Syncing a Fitness Device or Smartphone

To learn how to sync ChallengeRunner with a fitness device or smartphone (not required), check out this ChallengeRunner guide.

 

Information for Wheelchair users

If you already have an activity tracker that you use, simply sync your device to Challenge Runner in order to track “steps” in our challenge.

If you do not have an activity tracker and you would like to enter your steps manually, you can track 100 steps for each minute of rolling. For information on how to enter steps manually, refer to the Challenge Runner guide. 
 

Prizes & Incentives

This year we are allowing participants to choose their own Step Goal Incentive (ranging from 200k steps-400k steps for the month of October). 
Participants who reach their personal goal, will be eligible for a prize at the end of the challenge. Prizes will be announced once Walktober gets started, so keep an eye on your emails for more information!
 

Team Prizes (based on a team’s average # of steps): 

  • This year, the top three teams will not be eligible for additional prizes, but will be recognized at our closing ceremony. 
     
  • All participating teams will be eligible to be awarded superlatives, based on the amount of community and participation they gather. Stay tuned for our superlative categories! 
     

*Individuals on a team are also eligible for the step goal incentive.

*Youth participants are not eligible for prizes.

 

Event Calendar

2024 Walktober Event Calendar

The Walktober 2024 events are listed below, and can also be viewed on the Walktober 2024 Event Calendar.  Don’t live close to campus? Fear not! Each week has an activity to allow participants to engage wherever you are. Read our weekly Walktober newsletter for complete details on the themed weeks below!

October 1: First Day of Walktober!

Start tracking your steps and encourage friends and colleagues to join you! The last day to join the challenge as a team is Friday October 11th. 

October 6-12: Welcome to Campus Week

Join us for a walk through the PSU campus at our Walktober kick-off event! Catch a glimpse of the Coraline Curious Cat Trail and other campus gems as we stroll through downtown. Meet your Walktober leaders and fellow participants while enjoying the company of pets—who are welcome at this walk and all future ones.

Photo Challenge: #walktoberpals  Share a pic of your pet or Walktober teammates on a walk via ChallengeRunner with this hashtag. Whether together or apart, show off your team spirit! Tag @campusrec on Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook too!

Dates to Remember

  • Tuesday, October 8: Kick off Walk | Meet in front of the Rec Center by Cafe Yumm | 5 p.m. 
  • Friday, October 11: Deadline for Individual Registration
     

October 13-19: Make a Difference Week

Join us for a walk through the green spaces on PSU’s campus, where we’ll explore local wildlife and discuss sustainability. This is also a volunteer opportunity to give back to our earth and community while enjoying the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors together.

Virtual Engagement: “What’s your go-to workout mix?”  Drop your favorite song that keeps you in a feel-good and motivated headspace to hit those steps!

Dates to Remember

  • Wednesday, October 16: Eco-Friendly Walk | Meet in front of the Rec Center by Cafe Yumm | 12 p.m. 

October 20-26: Mindfulness Week

Take a stroll with us to the Saturday Market where opportunities for shopping, group discussions, and tasty food blend into our community walk. We will practice gratitude and mindfulness, along with the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors and in community.

Photo Challenge: #walktoberviews Shout out your favorite walking destinations or views that you’ve seen on walks.

Dates to Remember

  • Saturday, October 26: Picnic Walk | Meet in front of the Rec Center by Cafe Yumm | 12 p.m. 
     

October 27-November 1: Haunted Harvest Week

Be prepared for evening thrills as we venture to some historical and (allegedly) haunted spots in Portland. Participants are encouraged to dress up in costumes and bring their favorite spooky stories to share!

Virtual Engagement: “Share your favorite scary movie or character!”  Tell us your favorite scary movie or character and what makes them so spooky—whether it's a well-known classic or an underrated icon, we want to hear what gives you the chills!

Dates to Remember

  • Tuesday, October 29: Spooky Walk | Meet in front of the Rec Center by Cafe Yumm | 5 p.m. 
    Thursday, October 31: Last Day of Walktober 
    Friday, November 1: Last Day to Log Steps on ChallengeRunner 

     

Save The Date: Walktober Closing Ceremony: Tuesday November 5th (time & location TBD)