July 4, 2026 – Nearly 1,800 people across five central Illinois communities logged more than 175,000 miles during the Memorial Health Mindful Miles Walking Challenge, promoting physical activity and mental well-being throughout the month of May.
Participants from Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville collectively walked 175,317.8 miles during the month-long challenge, which was held across all five Memorial Health hospitals.
In Decatur, participants contributed 31,540.6 miles, the third-highest community total behind Lincoln and Springfield.
Overall, walkers covered the equivalent of 6,692 marathons, traveled nearly seven times around the Earth, completed 25.8 trips around the moon, and climbed the equivalent of 31,884 Mount Everests.
“This challenge was a fun and meaningful way for our communities to focus on both physical and emotional wellness,” said Angela Stoltzenburg, Memorial Health’s director of community health. “We’re proud of everyone who participated and literally took steps to support their health.”
Lincoln and surrounding communities led the challenge with 50,247.8 miles, followed by Springfield with 47,914.1 miles, Decatur with 31,540.6 miles, Taylorville with 30,571 miles, and Jacksonville with 15,044.3 miles.
Decatur’s Christina Landin was the top individual walker in the regional challenge, logging 660 miles during the month. She was followed by Tristan Heyen of Lincoln with 551.3 miles and Kristen Manak, also of Lincoln, with 480.9 miles.
Memorial Health said the Mindful Miles Walking Challenge is part of its ongoing efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles through community wellness, education and prevention programs.
