Alice Springs walkers clock up almost 3.5 million steps in lockdown challenge. A Heart Foundation Walking Group in Alice Springs found a novel way to keep active and connected during the COVID-19 lockdown – and saw its members clock up almost 3.5 million steps in just four weeks. Challenge WINNER Vicky Crowley walked 936,872 steps...Vicky talks to Gman on 3KND's Big Brekkie. The Active in Alice walking group is supported by Alice Springs Town Council. Like all Heart Foundation Walking groups across Australia, it has been paused during the coronavirus pandemic.
Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan is the long-time volunteer Walk Organiser of the Active in Alice walking group. Mayor Ryan also participated in the Pace Makers Challenge. “The challenge was a great way to keep our Heart Foundation Walkers motivated and moving during uncertain times,” Mayor Ryan said. “Because of COVID-19, it was especially important to keep our walkers both safe and active, and this initiative did that”. “Many Alice Springs walkers, including myself, were able to use this challenge to stay active while also staying connected with their fellow walkers,” he said. The Heart Foundation’s Heart Health Manager NT, Sarah George, said keeping active is very important when it comes to heart health. “Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 percent,” Ms George said.