Get Your Hike on during the 2013 Trails Challenge

By Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig

Looking for a challenge this weekend?

The East Bay Regional Parks District invites you to explore its 65 parks and more than 1,200 miles of trails – the largest in the nation – as part of the award-winning EBRPD Trails Challenge program. Participants will receive a free PDF guidebook featuring 20 different trails, including everything you need to know to plan your hike. 

This year – the 20th anniversary of the challenge – the Mayors Conferences of Alameda and Contra Costa counties have partnered with the Parks District to create the “Mayors Trails Challenge,” in an attempt to address the problem of obesity and related health concerns.

Those who complete the challenge by hiking five of the trails listed, or 26.2 miles of trails, will get a FREE organic cotton T-shirt (while supplies last); and a commemorative pin will be sent via U.S. mail (while supplies last) once you complete the challenge.

The best part: Registration is free and it’s a great way for you and the family to exercise and get – or stay – fit.

The goal between the conferences is to get the most participants to register for the challenge between now and Labor Day. And as of the last count, Alameda County is leading Contra Costa two to one: 3,218 to 1,649, reports the Contra Costa Times. 

For more information and to get started by creating your online account, visit regionalparksfoundation.org.