Get Moving on National Walking Day and Register for 2026 Heart Walk

Get Moving on National Walking Day and Register for 2026 Heart Walk

UToledo Health and Employee Wellness are encouraging University of Toledo employees to get moving on National Walking Day to highlight the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise.

Faculty and staff can participate by visiting the Student Recreation Center on Main Campus or the Morse Fitness Center on Health Science Campus between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1.

Registration is not required and there is no cost to participate. Light snacks and water will be available, and participants will receive one raffle ticket for each lap they complete.

"We want to promote the health benefits of walking and just encourage people to get more movement throughout their day," said Jess Sobolewski, senior benefits administration specialist. "This also helps bring visibility to what's available through our rec centers - not just on April 1, but throughout the year."

National Walking Day participants also will have the opportunity to sign up for the American Heart Association's 2026 Heart Walk, which will be held in downtown Toledo on Sunday, May 17.

Employees can join one of several established UToledo teams or start their own Heart Walk team. Anyone who donates $10 or more to a UToledo team before May 11 will receive a special Heart Walk T-shirt from UToledo Health.

Individuals also can join a University of Toledo team by visiting the American Heart Association website.

The Toledo Heart Walk, which will begin at 8:45 a.m. on May 17 in Promenade Park, raises money to help fund heart-related research, CPR training and other American Heart Association priorities. Participants can choose a 1- or 3-mile route.

UToledo has set a goal of raising $15,000 for the American Heart Association through this year's Heart Walk.

National Walking Day, conceived and supported by the American Heart Association, encourages Americans to add movement to their daily routines and highlights the importance of cardiovascular health.

The American Heart Association, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all recommend that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.