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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Participants in University of Missouri Extension’s 2026 100 Miles, 100 Days challenge logged more than 100,000 miles statewide.
The challenge, which ran June 16-Sept. 24, encouraged Missourians to walk, run, bike, swim or otherwise stay active throughout the summer. A total of 1,138 participants registered for this year’s challenge, said program organizer Candace Rodman, an MU associate teaching professor.
Logging miles on the online leaderboard was optional, but those who chose to track their activity publicly recorded more than 100,000 miles through more than 25,000 walks, rides, swims and workouts. Participants from 79 Missouri counties and 77 teams took part, and 319 people reached the full 100-mile goal.
The challenge has grown significantly since it began in 2021 as a Randolph County initiative. That first effort attracted just over 400 participants. Today, the program reaches communities across Missouri, with local extension offices and community partners helping residents build healthy habits and connect with others through physical activity, Rodman said.
Beyond the numbers, organizers say the program’s impact can be seen in the stories participants share.
One participant recently credited the challenge with helping reclaim an active lifestyle after years of physical limitations.
“I do want to thank you for the inspiration,” the participant wrote in an email. “I haven’t ridden like this in five years. With my bad back, it was looking like a bleak year for me physically. Between the Tai Chi and 100/100, it’s been unbelievable to me what I’ve been able to accomplish, and you deserve a lot of the credit for it. Thanks!!”
Some communities embraced the challenge with particular enthusiasm. Dent County led the state in total miles logged, while the Healthy Dent County team recorded more than 14,000 miles on its own. Boone, Newton, Cole and Greene counties also ranked among the top counties for participation and mileage. Workplace teams, including Mizzou Academy and the Neosho School District, demonstrated how coworkers can encourage one another to stay active.
Rodman says every participant contributed to the success of the challenge, whether they completed 100 miles or simply took steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
“Showing up for your health is never wasted,” she said. “We’re glad people chose to be part of this challenge.”
Although the 100 days have ended, MU Extension offers year-round programs that help Missourians stay active, including Walk With Ease, Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention.