The Walktober Wellness Challenge is a 30-day walking initiative designed to inspire the UTMB community to make walking a daily habit. Walktober is rooted in one of the core principles of the Blue Zones, Move Naturally. In the world's longest-lived communities, movement isn't something people schedule as a workout, it is simply built into daily life. Walktober challenges participants to intentionally dedicate 20 minutes each day to walking, whether during the workday, between classes, before work, after work, or with coworkers, friends, family, or classmates. The goal isn’t speed or distance, it's consistency!
Beyond the daily walking goal, Walktober will feature fun engagement activities throughout the month, weekly educational and motivational themes, bonus challenges, and signature walking experiences. Walking together, one step at a time, we're building a healthier, more connected UTMB community.
Walktober Wellness Challenge Details
Dates: October 1 to 30
Goal: Intentionally walk (or move your body) for at least 20 minutes each day. There are no step counts, distance, or speed requirements. Your 20 minutes may be completed all at once or in multiple shorter sessions throughout the day. Participants will choose their own personal finish line.
| Competitor: 15 / 30 days | Medalist: 20 / 30 days | Champion: 30 / 30 days |
Who Can Participate: Any member of the UTMB community: faculty, staff, and students with a UTMB badge.
Participation Prize: Participants who finish the challenge and complete the required post-challenge survey will be entered into a drawing for RTIC cooler wellness gift baskets.
Register for the Walktober Wellness Challenge
Registration Deadline: Oct. 5
After registering, participants will receive:
- Printable 30-day tracking form
- Detailed Challenge Instructions and FAQs
- Invitation to join group walking experiences and the Walktober Microsoft Teams community
- Weekly educational tips, motivation, bonus challenges and engagement opportunities
A Note About Accessible Participation: Walktober is designed to encourage movement and wellness for every body. We encourage any participants with limited mobility to substitute 20 minutes of intentional movement appropriate for their abilities.
Walking Events
Throughout the month, participants can join group walking events hosted across Galveston campus. These walking events are optional and a low pressure way to build the walking habit alongside others, meet new people, and turn a daily walk into a shared moment of connection.
Walktober Kick Off Event with Provost Chubinskaya
Kick off the challenge with a group walk around campus led by Senior Vice President, Provost, and UTMB Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Susan Chubinskaya. |
Tuesday Morning Moves with Patrick
Tuesday Morning Moves with Patrick
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Join Wellness Coordinator Patrick Bean every Tuesday morning from 7:15 to 7:45 during Walktober for a refreshing campus walk designed to get you moving and energized. What to expect:
Whether you’re looking to build a movement habit, clear your mind to get ready for the day, or connect with colleagues, this walk is a great way to fit activity into your week. All fitness levels welcome.
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Wellness Wednesday Walk with Walker
Wellness Wednesday Walk with Walker
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Take a midweek break and get moving with Julie Walker! Join Julie Walker with the UTMB AE Office of Wellness for a casual, guided 20-minute walk around the Galveston Campus. Wellness Wednesday Walk with Walker is an easy way to step away from your desk, get some fresh air, add movement to your day, and connect with colleagues and students across campus. No special gear, pace, or fitness level required (although tennis shoes are suggested) — just show up and walk with us! Move more. Connect more. Feel better. One Wednesday at a time. |
Walk with a Doc
Walk with a Doc
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Each week a different physician or healthcare professional will lead the walk while discussing wellness topics in an informal setting. |
Walktober Beach Walk
Walktober Beach Walk
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Join the Office of Wellness team for a special Galveston beach walk! |
Brought to you by the Academic Enterprise, Office of Wellness.
Brought to you by the Academic Enterprise, Office of Wellness.