If starting (or restarting) healthy habits is on your mind for the new year, the 2026 Roanoke 100 Miler offers a realistic, low-pressure way to do just that—without overhauling your schedule or committing to a strict workout plan.
Organized by PLAY Roanoke, this challenge is designed for real people with busy lives, including parents and caregivers who want to feel better, move more, and maybe even bring the kids along.
What is the Roanoke 100 Miler?
The concept is simple: walk, run, or hike 100 miles in 100 days, at your own pace. There’s no need to be a runner or fitness enthusiast to participate.
Not into walking or running? You can substitute 30 minutes of any human-powered activity for one mile. That could include biking, swimming, dancing, yoga, or active play with your kids. The goal is movement that fits into everyday life.
Why families enjoy this challenge
This program works well for families because it’s flexible and forgiving. A short walk after dinner, a weekend hike, or a bike ride around the neighborhood all count.
Parents often appreciate that it:
- Encourages consistent movement without strict rules
- Helps build healthier routines for the whole household
- Makes it easy to include kids in age-appropriate ways
- Offers motivation through weekly prize drawings
Just as important, the challenge isn’t something you do alone. Participants are part of a larger group of people working toward the same goal.
Built-in community support
One of the highlights of the Roanoke 100 Miler is the variety of group activities offered throughout the challenge. Optional group walks and movement-based events are scheduled at locations around the Roanoke area, giving participants a chance to connect with others, explore local parks and greenways, and support one another along the way.
These gatherings are welcoming and low-pressure, making them a great option if you’re hoping to meet new people, walk with a friend, or stay motivated by being part of a group.
Tentative 2026 Group Walk & Activity Schedule
(Schedule subject to change)
| Date | Time | Activity & Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, January 13 | 5:30 PM | Opening Group Walk: Fishburn Mansion to Vic Thomas Park |
| Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM | Field Day Soccer: River’s Edge South Soccer Fields |
| Tuesday, February 10 | 5:30 PM | Group Walk: Shrine Hill Park to Fishburn Park |
| Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM | Geocaching: Berglund Center |
| Tuesday, March 10 | 5:30 PM | Plawking with Roanoke Plawkers and I Heart SE: Belmont Park |
| Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM | Dog Walk with RCACP: Tinker Creek Greenway |
| Tuesday, April 14 | 5:30 PM | Disc Golf: Eureka Park |
| Thursday, April 23 | 5:30 PM | Finale Group Walk: Mill Mountain to Blue Cow Ice Cream |
Easy ways families can participate together
- Take evening walks as a family a few times a week
- Explore local greenways, parks, or trails on weekends
- Let kids count bike rides or playground time toward mileage
- Turn everyday activities into movement opportunities
- Track progress together and celebrate milestones
There’s no competition and no pressure—just a shared goal of staying active.
Who can join?
While the challenge is hosted locally, you don’t have to live in Roanoke to participate. Friends, grandparents, and out-of-town family members can all join, making it a shared experience even if you’re not all in the same place.
How to get started
Registration details, rules, and tracking information are available online.
Learn more and register: https://www.playroanoke.com/activity/2026-roanoke-100-miler/
For additional questions, contact Cameron Griffin at cameron.griffin@roanokeva.gov or 540-853-2679.
If you’re looking for a practical way to prioritize health in 2026—without adding stress to your schedule—the Roanoke 100 Miler is an easy place to begin.
