Iron County seniors complete 332-mile walking challenge

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood - A group of area seniors gathered at Gogebic Community College Thursday for the final day of the Iron County Aging Unit's Stroll for a Goal walking challenge.

Participants met twice a week over the nine-week challenge to walk laps around GCC's indoor track.

A total of 16 participants accrued a cumulative 332 miles, according to Mark Marczak, who oversaw the program.

Thursday's walking time was cut a bit short, as the group gathered for cake afterwards to celebrate the accomplishment. Prizes were also given to participants, including Paul Mullard and Mary Mattson - who accrued the most individual miles.

Marczak said he hopes the challenge's finish doesn't mean the end of participants walking.

"The hope is they're going to continue this into the summer," Marczak said, "individually, or as a group."

He said not every walker was present each week, making the 332 miles even more impressive.

Some participants surprised even themselves in the distances they were capable of completing, with Marczak saying one had only planned to walk a single lap of the one-eleventh mile track, but eventually worked up to walking one mile.

"They had their own individual goals and surprised themselves," Marczak said.

In addition to providing exercise, Marczak said the challenge provided an excellent social event, with there usually being "lots of laughter" while the walkers circled the track.

Aspirus, GCC and Iron County Health Department are among the organizations partnering with the aging unit for the walking challenge.