Challenge Yourself to 100 Missouri Miles

The 100 Missouri Miles Challenge was launched in 2013 to celebrate Missouri’s incredible trail system and to promote outdoor physical activity. The challenge is now in its third year, and once again Governor Nixon and The First Lady are championing the Challenge.

“From the beginning, the response from Missourians all across the state was overwhelming, as Missourians logged over 1.1 million miles on Missouri trails in 2013. They nearly doubled that in 2014 by notching 2.1 million miles, pushing our total to over 3,000,000 total miles over the first two years of the challenge. From cities and suburbs to our small towns and rural areas, Missourians have tackled this challenge as an opportunity to get active and healthy, while enjoying Missouri’s beautiful outdoors,” Governor Nixon said.

The benefits of exercising on a trail are numerous. Whether you are hiking in the backcountry or jogging in a city park, there’s a good chance you will encounter wildlife and be able to view beautiful trees, plants and wildflowers. Of course, improving your health while breathing fresh air is a major plus.

“Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore and it definitely doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Almost everyone can benefit from adding physical activity into their daily routines. With so many activities to choose from, the entire family can participate. This year we want to encourage you to take a buddy with you when you complete your miles,” said Gail Vasterling, Director Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Finding a trail in Missouri is easy. Not only do we have a lot of trails, we have some of the best in the country. City and county parks offer thousands of miles of trails. Thankfully, there is no cost to enter and enjoy our incredible Missouri State Parks. With 52 state parks around the state, there should be one rather close to you.

“The 100 Missouri Miles Challenge provides a great opportunity for Missourians to get outdoors and enjoy our state’s award-winning trails, including the nearly 1,000 miles of trails in Missouri State Parks.  As the challenge continues, we’re excited for visitors to once again explore the outdoors on our trails and hope they will discover a fun new adventure in Missouri State Parks,” said Bill Bryan, Director of Missouri State Parks.

Katy Trail State Park is the nation’s longest rails-to-trails project. At 237 miles long, you don’t even have to cover half of the Katy Trail to complete your 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. I’m about knocking my 100 miles out this summer on a two-day bike ride. The thought of peddling along the same route Lewis and Clark took on the adventure to open the western portion of America is more than exciting. 

Spending time on a Missouri trail is a great way for families to connect, while benefiting both physical and mental health. I hope you chose to be one of the thousands of Missourians who will complete the 2015 100 Missouri Miles Challenge.

See you down the trail…

Brandon Butler