Chatham County is preparing for its annual fitness event, inviting residents to put on their sneakers or tune up their bikes for the fifth year of the Chatham County Challenge. The month-long virtual event, free to all comers, rolls out this October with a double-barreled dose of outdoor excitement, challenging participants to traverse either 100 kilometers on two wheels or 50 kilometers on foot, as reported by the county's Parks & Recreation Department.

Participants interested in joining the challenge must register by September 30 through the Chatham County Parks and Recreation website. To track their progress, they are encouraged to use the free mobile app Map My Fitness while completing their runs or bike rides. In addition to the satisfaction of physical accomplishment, those who finish the challenge will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

For participants who enjoy trailblazing, the event offers an added incentive: visiting 10 different Chatham County trails or greenways during the challenge will enter their name into a drawing for a coveted Swag Bag. Tracy Burnett, Chatham County Parks and Recreation Director, shared her excitement with local media of the Chatham County, stating, “This event began as a way to keep our community engaged during the pandemic, and it has evolved into one of our most cherished traditions.”

Chatham County Parks and Recreation is seeking an event sponsor to support the fitness challenge. Civic-minded companies or businesses interested in community health initiatives are encouraged to contact Mallory Peterson at the department or call 919-642-7086 for details about sponsorship opportunities. Stay tuned to the department's social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram, for event updates, trail recommendations, and potential snapshots of Chatham’s scenic beauty.