Walking Challenge 2025 Held at Gifu University
From November 1 to 30, 2025, the Health Administration Center, in collaboration with the Japan University Health Association, organized the Let's All Walk to the Moon! Walking Challenge 2025 to promote health among students, faculty, and staff. The Walking Challenge, which began in 2018, is a month-long initiative where participants' total steps are combined with the goal of reaching the equivalent of 2.5 round trips from Earth to the Moon.
This year, 139 participants joined the challenge--83 students and 56 faculty/staff members. Among them, 63 participants achieved the benchmark of 8,000 steps per day, which is considered a guideline for maintaining and improving health. Feedback from participants included comments such as: "I usually don't exercise much, but this program helped me develop a walking habit." "I was able to stay motivated for my health." "I've continued walking even after the challenge ended." "I definitely want to join again next time."
Through this initiative, participants became more conscious of their health, found opportunities to incorporate exercise into their daily lives, and developed enjoyable, sustainable exercise habits.
Nationwide, a record 8,515 people participated this year, and the total number of steps reached approximately 1.8 billion--roughly equivalent to two round trips to the Moon.
Led by the Health Administration Center, Gifu University will continue to support students, faculty, and staff in leading healthy and fulfilling lives through various initiatives.
by Dr. Mayumi Yamamoto, Director/Professor of the Health Administration Center.
