Step by step, you can take part in a piece of history.
The Road to 2026 program is one of several initiatives hosted by America250PA this year, leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday.
“We’ve been excited to have hundreds of signups from across the commonwealth — folks really getting out, wanting to see the outdoor spaces that we have here in Pennsylvania and logging those miles,” said Cassandra Coleman, America250PA’s executive director.
Coleman said the program is designed to get every Pennsylvanian involved.
“We have our historical projects, our educational projects, our arts and culture initiatives,” she said. “And this was something that we thought — there are so many outdoor enthusiasts across Pennsylvania — so how could we include them in one of the programs and projects that we launched?”
The challenge is broken into four parts, with participants aiming to log either 250 miles walking, running or wheeling, or 2,500 miles biking. That comes out to a total of 1,000 miles walking, running or wheeling, or 10,000 miles biking. Prizes are awarded at various milestones along the way.
Reaching the top goal may be difficult with a little more than three months until July 4. Participants would need to average nearly 9.5 miles a day walking or running to get there.
But Coleman said people shouldn’t be discouraged.
“We are adjusting the requirements for this last leg of the race leading up to July 4,” she said. “Folks should not get discouraged. If they see the different milestones, they should sign up, and they will still get all of the swag and the medal at the end.”
And not every day needs to be spent outdoors. Coleman said miles can still count if they’re logged inside — whether that’s walking around the office or doing laps in the living room.