30-Minute WEBINAR
Wednesday, February 18 • 12 PM ET
Wins, Woes, and Wisdom:
What 23 Seasons of Walktober Have Taught Us
What started more than 2 decades ago as a simple walking challenge has grown into a workplace tradition embraced year after year. In this webinar, we’re pulling back the curtain to share what 23 seasons of Walktober have revealed about participation, motivation, and lasting engagement.
Join Rachel LaBerge and Emily Doyle, our resident Walktober experts, for a focused 30-minute session packed with real-world data, stories, and insights from organizations of all sizes.
Whether you’re evaluating Walktober or simply looking to strengthen participation in any wellness initiative, this session offers practical lessons you can apply right away.
Learn More and Register
What You Will Learn
This is a candid look at what consistently drives engagement — and where even well-intentioned programs can miss the mark.
The Data Behind the Momentum
We’ll share key statistics and participation trends from the past 3 years of Walktober growth, highlighting what motivates employees to join, stay engaged, and return year after year.
Wins and Woes from the Field
Hear real examples from workplace campaigns — what worked, what didn’t, and how those lessons shape Walktober’s evolution each season.
Actionable Best Practices
Learn proven strategies for maximizing participation while keeping administration simple and manageable for wellness and HR teams.
Optional: Walktober 2026 Preview
Stay for a brief 10-minute walkthrough of the current Walktober experience and what’s new for our 24th season.
Wins, Woes, and Wisdom:
What 23 Seasons of Walktober Have Taught Us
Wednesday, February 18 • 12 PM ET
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Why Every School System Needs a Walktober Tradition
Every fall, something special happens across schools and districts. Step counts climb, and conversations light up in classrooms, hallways, lounges, and staff group chats — with teachers, aides, administrators, and support staff cheering each other on, whether they’re part of a team or walking solo.
For many educators, Walktober isn’t just another wellness challenge — it’s a tradition they look forward to — a chance to reset, recharge, and reconnect before the busy holiday season.
I look forward to Walktober every year. It helps me stay focused on getting my steps in every day. It inspires my whole family to track their steps too.
Leslie S.
Greely Schools
I look forward to Walktober every year. It helps me stay focused on getting my steps in every day. It inspires my whole family to track their steps too.
Leslie S.
Greely Schools
Momentum That Builds Year After Year
Now in its 24th season, Walktober continues to grow — not just in participation, but in impact. From 2024 to 2025, the number of participating organizations, including schools and districts, jumped 21%; returning clients saw average participation rise 16%. And school systems are HES’s highest achievers, with completion and satisfaction rates 10% greater than other groups.
That’s no accident. Once faculty and staff experience the camaraderie, encouragement, and fun of Walktober, they want it back — and they bring colleagues along the next year. It becomes a shared story within the school community.
Walktober is more than just a month-long event; it is a catalyst for building community and stronger connections within the workplace. The camaraderie was the true trophy, far surpassing any step-count achievements.
Robert S.
Fairfax County Public Schools
Hundreds of companies, colleges and universities, school systems, city, county, and state agencies as well as health systems and nonprofit groups participate in Walktober every fall.
Health Wins That Keep Compounding
The benefits go well beyond step counts. Participants regularly share how Walktober helps them sleep better, manage stress, and maintain energy through the school year. Some even report life-changing health improvements.
Thanks to Walktober and my teammates I pushed myself to the max. For the first time my visit to the doctors was filled with wonderful news about my health. Walktober, thank you for pushing me to better myself and lifestyle.
Esperanza Mendoza
Douglas County School District
Thanks to Walktober and my teammates I pushed myself to the max. For the first time my visit to the doctors was filled with wonderful news about my health. Walktober, thank you for pushing me to better myself and lifestyle.
Esperanza Mendoza
Douglas County School District
District wellness leaders hear these stories every fall — reminders that simple, consistent activity, paired with social support, can make a measurable difference in staff well-being and morale.
Learn more by scheduling a live demo or request a no-obligation quote.
This is one time of the year that all of PWCS comes together for a healthy competition. It’s fun and everyone should try it at least once.
Onea A.
Prince William County Schools
Connection and Camaraderie: Walktober’s Heartbeat
One of the biggest updates in recent seasons is a stronger focus on connection. The Community page gives participants a space to share stories, photos, and encouragement, answer poll questions, and see how their efforts support the school or district’s goals — turning what might be a solo effort into a shared experience.
Whether those connections happen in the staff lounge, on playground duty, or through online messages, they build a culture where people feel supported, appreciated, and inspired — the kind of environment that helps schools and their people thrive.
Easier… and Better, Every Year
For wellness coordinators and district leaders, part of Walktober’s magic is how easy it is to run year after year. Communications are ready, participation builds naturally, and engagement grows with experience. Plus, HES rolls out new promotional materials and creative updates each season to keep the program and messaging fresh.
I expected it to be a great challenge, but I didn’t expect to get that many people to participate!
Samantha Todd
Health and Wellness Coordinator
Academy District 20
I expected it to be a great challenge, but I didn’t expect to get that many people to participate!
Samantha Todd
Health and Wellness Coordinator
Academy District 20
With Walktober as a reliable fall anchor, schools can plan additional challenges in other seasons that focus on physical, emotional, and social well-being.
A Constant in a Changing Calendar
With busy schedules, shifting priorities, and endless demands on time, consistency brings calm and confidence. Walktober gives educators and staff something they can count on — a shared experience that marks the arrival of fall and brings school communities together around common goals.
It’s more than a challenge; it’s a rhythm — a chance to celebrate teamwork, progress, and the power of positive routines.
Every year it keeps me motivated to stay on track with my fitness goals… The motivation of my peers and teams always keeps me inspired.
Sharon B.
Rochester City School District
A Tradition That Keeps Giving
For schools and districts committed to supporting staff well-being, Walktober offers a rare combination: simplicity for coordinators, measurable results for administrators, and genuine joy for participants.
Making it an annual tradition isn’t just good for morale — it’s good for school culture. Healthier, more connected staff create stronger, more resilient communities — inside and outside the classroom.
Don’t just run a wellness challenge this fall. Start a tradition that brings your school community together.
Features include:
Interactive logging
Device tracking
Worldwide fall attractions
Individual and team
participation
Organization-wide goal setting
Badges for hitting milestones
Daily tips, healthy recipes, community message board
Mobile as well as desktop applications
Learn More
Walk This Way to Employee Wellness Value
(Beleaf it.)
Per Registrant
Includes site setup +
per registrant fee.
Duration
Retail
31-day Program
$10.09
42-day Program
$13.75
56-day Program
$15.45
Setup (1 time fee/challenge)
$2775
Group License
One-time fee covering your entire eligible population* for any 1 HES challenge.
*Eligible population means all employees who have access to the site (whether or not they register). To promote the site to a subset of your population, an eligibility file is required.
Eligible Population
Retail
1000
$5007
5000
$12,702
10,000
$23,156
25,000
$48,733
50,000
$85,764
100,000
$122,796
Bundled License
One-time fee covering your entire eligible population* for any 2 HES challenges within 12 months.
*Eligible population means all employees who have access to the site (whether or not they register). To promote the site to a subset of your population, an eligibility file is required.
