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Motivating Central Wisconsin to live healthier, more active lives by producing and promoting challenging aerobic activities and recreational resources that encourage active lifestyles.

What is your favorite way to be active? Get out and get moving in Portage County, Wisconsin. Explore the wonderful ways to stay moving and healthy on foot or bike in the Central Wisconsin region. Register and train for an upcoming event with family and friends, or just explore the trails and routes for fun.

Being active helps reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes, stress-related issues and other health problems stemming from being sedentary. Find fun ways to reduce your risk, and participate in local health and fitness events, like Walk Wisconsin.

Featured Event

Jun

Walk Wisconsin

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Active Portage County News

Get Ready for Active Portage County Events

Active Portage County hosts annual fitness events to promote healthy lifestyles to people of all ages. Mark your calendar for four of our fun hosted events:

Walk Wisconsin walking marathon under the summer sunshine each June along the Green Circle Trail.

Moon Walk Wisconsin each October following the Tomorrow River State Trail. (Biggest perk? Enjoying the natural beauty of the Tomorrow River State Trail under the light of the full moon!)

A non-competitive hiking challenge called the Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge hosted at Standing Rocks County Park in September (when the fall foliage is at its peak).

Pack each season of your calendar with enough feel-good fitness endorphins to keep you going year round. Visit the events tab on our website for a complete list of year-round active events.

The Details:

During Walk Wisconsin in June there are four distance walking options to choose from, including the ¼ marathon (6.5 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles). There is also a Kids Walk Wisconsin option for children and their families that include a 2.62 mile or 1.31 mile walk.

Moon Walk Wisconsin is similar in set-up, but offers 12, 8 and 4 mile walking options along the limestone covered Tomorrow River State Trail. Lit pumpkins act as mile markers and sporting a costume during the walk is encouraged.

To pose an active challenge while capitalizing on the positive benefits of walking, the Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge was born. Take in the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes at Standing Rocks while pushing yourself on breathtakingly challenging hiking routes with 8K (5.2 miles) and 12K (8.3 mile) distance options.

Events featured on the Active Portage County website allow all ages and ability levels to participate in non-competitive, multiple distance fitness opportunities. Each of our events encourages people to live healthy lifestyles all year long.

Did you know that walking, hiking and biking are effective ways to improve personal health, lower stress and encourage weight loss? In addition to numerous positive health benefits, these activities are a great way to pass the time with family and friends. John Jury, an Active Portage County Committee member, agrees. ” Participating in each event we host is a great way for families and friends to spend quality time together while improving their health.”

Set yourself up for success! Training schedules and registration forms for Walk Wisconsin, Moon Walk Wisconsin, Hard Rocks Hiking Challenge and PedaLoops are available at ActivePortageCounty.com. A full calendar of events that promote healthy living is available at here.

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Event Participant Testimonials

Can’t find the motivation you need to get on track to living a healthier lifestyle? Past participants of Walk Wisconsin share their stories about how this event positively influenced their physical, emotional and mental health.

“I needed a goal in my life, something to look forward to, and Walk Wisconsin turned out to be the best thing for me. When I first heard about Walk Wisconsin, I started out thinking one mile was a long walk. But today that's just barely a warm up for me. Walking keeps me well!” – Michaelene

“I heard about the walk from folks in my Weight Watchers class and I wanted to train for it and try it. I completed the walk in 3 hours and 17 minutes and only took two bathroom/food breaks along the way. Walk Wisconsin felt great!” – Leo G.

"After losing several family members over recent years to diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, I felt it was finally time to take care of myself. I have been severely overwight my entire life, and this past January I started the Weight Watchers Program. I've since lost 40lbs and am still going strong. My sister-in-law is a runner and is always encouraging me to do a run with her. When I heard the radio ad for Walk Wisconsin, I KNEW we had to do it together! I called her to tell her about it, and we signed up that night. Non-competitive and running was discouraged . . . that was JUST what I was looking for. We walked the ¼ marathon together chatting and catching up along the way. The experience was so good that I made an appointment with my doctor to talk about whether or not running is a good choice for me. If so, I plan to start training for my first 5K! Regardless of what the doctor says about running, my sister-in-law and I will be back for Walk Wisconsin again. Thank you for doing what you do and being a part of my journey!" - Rhonda E.

“I've done Walk Wisconsin every year but one. Now I'm 83 and I just wanted to see if I could still do it. I did!” – Marilyn W.

“I have been a long devotee to exercise. Several years ago (after I had to give up running) my wife got me walking half-marathons – this is how we found Walk Wisconsin. Walk Wisconsin is without question scenic and the non-competitive, no-timing-chip nature is refreshing. We live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and we think the 4 hour drive to Stevens Point is well worth the experience. I tell every walker I know that they must do Walk Wisconsin sometime in their lifetime. I wear my "Walk Wisconsin" cap with pride everywhere I go.” – Dennis Y.

“Walking a marathon was on my bucket list and having a ‘walker’s only’ event was great. The Green Circle Trail is perfect and the variety of terrain, surface and scenery made the time fly by. Two friends joined me on the walk and we made the event a road trip as we live in the Kansas City area. I would love to do Walk Wisconsin again. This event will be hard to beat!” – Vicki K.

“This event is a great way to stay active, and I absolutely love the Green Circle Trail. It is beautiful. This is a day for my friends and I to detach from the crazy lives we have to enjoy our friendships and tons of nature in a healthy way.“ – Leanne B.

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Get Ready for Walk Wisconsin!

Join the fun for the annual Walk Wisconsin event, as it goes virtual in 2021! Walk your distance, from a quarter to full marathon from Saturday, May 29 through Saturday, June 5, 2021 from wherever you are!

Walk Wisconsin allows all ages and ability levels to participate in a non-competitive, distance walking event. Being the leading walking event in the Midwest it encourages people to continue to live healthy lifestyles all year long.

Walking is an effective way to improve personal health, lower stress, encourage weight loss and has many other positive benefits. John Jury, a Walk Wisconsin Committee member states,” It is a great, active way for families and friends to spend quality time together, while improving their health.” There are plenty of options to choose from, including the ¼ marathon (6.5 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), and full marathon (26.2 miles) options.

Training schedules and registration forms are available at www.WalkWisconsin.com

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Upcoming Events

January 06, 2022

Judo - A martial art for everyone

Judo is the number one individual sport practiced world-wide. It is a Japanese martial art with both throwing and ground work as well as self-defense. Adults and children aged 5 and up are welcome to participate. The first class is free, so come give it a try!

Photo by Mats Sommervold on Unsplash

January 08, 2022

Flow Yoga

Join Ana Marie Yoga Saturday mornings and give yourself the gift of movement. Flow through creative sequences to elevate your mind, body + spirit. Strengthen, align + define as you enhance your yoga practice in this lovely spa setting.

Walk-ins are always welcome! Single class passes and 5 or 10 class packages available for purchase in person or online.

Photo from the Wellness Spa

January 30, 2022

Walk for Life

The annual Portage County Walk For Life, hosted by the Portage County Right to Life, will be held in Stevens Point on Sunday, January 30th. The walk will begin at 2 pm in front of the Portage County Court House located at 1516 Church Street. You can park right across the street and take the shuttle back after the event.

New this year, the walk will proceed to Saint Peters Catholic Church located at 800 Fourth Avenue. If you want to park there prior to the walk, arrive by 1:30 pm and use rear parking lot as the shuttle bus will before and after.

Photo by Universal Eye on Unsplash

February 26, 2022

Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe, and Hike

Join us for a family-friendly evening of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking on groomed park trails lit by candlelight. Choose from several trails lit by over 700 luminaries.

After your hike, stop by the warming fires for hot chocolate and a game of Hammerschlagen.

March 05, 2022

Point Bock Run

The Stevens Point Brewery is proud to announce its 19th annual “Point Bock 5 Mile Run” Saturday, March 5, 2022. The run will begin at the brewery, Saturday afternoon at 12:00 noon. The Point Bock Run will draw 2,000 runners of all ages and abilities, with proceeds donated to promote and support the sport of running and healthy lifestyles in Central Wisconsin. After the run, enjoy brews from the Stevens Point Brewery in the heated tent across the street.

March 26, 2022

Flow Yoga

Walk-ins are always welcome! Single class passes and 5 or 10 class packages available for purchase in person or online.

Photo from the Wellness Spa

May 06, 2022

Mother's Day Celebration

Celebrate the lovely ladies who are the reason we exist! Come down to River's Edge Campground and have a great time with the family. With lots of activities planned, Mother's Day weekend is sure to be a blast!

Photo by Ijaz Rafi on Unsplash

May 21, 2022

First Annual O'so Honor Flight Fun Run/Walk 5k

Join O'so Brewing for their first annual O'so honor flight fun run/walk 5k.

Photo by Malik Skydsgaard on Unsplash

June 04, 2022

Walk Wisconsin: A Walking Marathon

Held annually on the first Saturday in June each year, Walk Wisconsin is the premier walking event in the Midwest! This is a non-competitive event, encouraging walkers of all ages and ability levels. The full, 1/2, and 1/4 marathon events utilize the scenic Green Circle Trail which passes the Wisconsin River, Plover River, several lakes, and unique ecosystems. The trail base for all routes includes a combination of wood chips, crushed granite, road surface, and wood boardwalk.

June 10, 2022

2022 Color Run/Chalkfest at Rivers Edge

Have fun with friends and the whole family at River's Edge for the Color Run! Participate in the color run, where you get covered in colored powder while being cheered on as you race, chalk drawing, or both this weekend down at the river.

Photo by Nqobile Vundla on Unsplash

July 15, 2022

Christmas in July

Can't wait till December for Christmas? Celebrate early with River's Edge Campground during their Christmas in July weekend. Enjoy the decorations, food, and activities that Christmas offers with none of the cold weather to bring down the mood.

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

July 16, 2022

2022 Pedal Point Rally

The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County and the Hostel Shoppe will be hosting the 14th annual Pedal Point Rally (formerly Bike for Boys & Girls Club)

Those who complete their free, month-long challenge from June 1st - June 30th and raise at least $25 in donations or pledges will receive a t-shirt and water bottle. Awards will also be given out to the participant who bikes the most miles and the participant who raises the most in pledges or donations.

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