Research indicates that almost 28 percent of Indiana’s population is overweight (eighth in the nation) and the state ranks 38th in the number of citizens participating in physical activity at least once a month.

To draw attention to the importance of physical activity in combination with sound nutrition to manage health and weight, the third Walk Across Indiana was held in September and October 2008. Partners in this event were Purdue University’s College of Consumer and Family Sciences, Purdue Extension, Clarian Health, Indiana State Department of Health, INShape Indiana, county health departments, soil and water conservation districts, local walking clubs, schools, parks, and local media.

All 92 counties were encouraged to plan an October 28, 2008, walk. It was the first time in Indiana’s history that a single day was selected for the entire state to walk for health. Several Healthy People, Healthy Communities coalitions were involved in planning the walks. Some counties planned their walks in conjunction with health fairs and local walking/running/hiking clubs.

2008

• 1,194 walkers
• 23 counties participating
• 10,249,300 miles walked

2007

• 4,563 walkers
• 38 counties
• 43,403 miles (89,935,943 steps) walked

2006

• 827 walkers
• 24 counties
• 4,713 miles (425,889 steps) walked