Step Into Spring with the May Marathon Month Challenge

Carroll County, Tenn. residents are invited to lace up their walking or running shoes and take part in the May Marathon Month Challenge, a community-wide effort to encourage physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

The challenge is simple and flexible: participants will work throughout May to complete either a full marathon (26.2 miles) or a half-marathon (13.1 miles). Because participants have the entire month to accumulate miles, the goal is achievable for individuals of all fitness levels—breaking down to less than a mile per day for those completing the full marathon.

Participants will register online by May 4. Miles must be completed through walking or running specifically for fitness and can be tracked using a provided Marathon Tracking Calendar or a personal fitness app or device. At the end of the month, participants will report their total mileage through a follow-up survey as part of the honor system challenge.

Throughout May, participants will receive regular emails with encouragement and practical tips to help them stay motivated and consistent.

In addition to the health benefits, participants who complete their chosen distance and report their miles will be entered into a drawing for an air fryer.

The May Marathon Month Challenge is open to all Carroll County residents and offers a simple, low-cost way to improve physical health, reduce stress, and build lasting healthy habits.

Sign up now at https://tiny.utk.edu/maymarathon26.

You can contact Lacy Yeley with UT Extension Carroll County at lyeley@utk.edu for questions or more information.