For the past five years, the goal of the School of Public Health and Health Professions’ Step Challenge has been to inspire people to improve their health and reduce stress. And that goal has been especially relevant and necessary during today’s unique and worrying time.

As the challenge enters its final week, 1,431 participants have taken the challenge and committed to taking the most steps possible. More than 45 different teams — from “Kicking Assets” and “Pancho’s Bipeds” to “Gneiss, Tuff and a Little Bit Wacke” — have helped create a competitive environment that motivates other teams to work harder and stay safe by walking alone or at least 6 feet apart from a companion. Indeed, the current first-place team, “WhyNotMarc,” has already logged 838,575 steps. The current overall total is more than 178 million steps.

Participants use the app ChallengeRunner to accurately track step levels. The app displays a leaderboard and provides an interactive chat that encourages participants to share their thoughts, like their tips for getting steps in or their favorite music or podcast to listen to while walking.

Steppers also are encouraged by inspiring content posted by participants with the hashtag #UBStepsBoldly on Twitter, Instagram and other social media channels. Lydia Mack and Erick Quintanilla, students in the exercise science program, also post short-burst videos on the challenge Facebook page that are designed to help participants increase their step levels while staying home. They’re offering quick and easy tips, such as taking advantage of TV commercial breaks or using the stairs to get in steps.

Participants have received a number of prizes for their efforts. Thus far, 10 participants who have logged steps each day have been randomly chosen during each of the past three weeks to receive $25 gift cards. Six participants who offered inventive social media posts have won gift cards. And at the close of the challenge on April 30, the leading team and top 10 individual participants will receive prizes like AirPod Pros and Fitbits.

Until then, keep stepping safely!