According to this article from the BBC, the NHS is encouraging people to walk for 30 minutes a day through a new “marathon a month” challenge launching in England next year. Participants who complete the daily walks will cover around 26 miles a month and could receive rewards such as discounts or incentives.
Users will be able to track their progress online or through smartphones and smartwatches, with the scheme aiming to use “streak” culture, similar to apps like Duolingo and Snapchat, to help people build lasting habits.
Developed with Olympic medallist and Great North Run founder Brendan Foster, the initiative is part of England’s 10-year health plan and aims to sign up more than 100,000 people. The NHS says physical inactivity contributes to poor health and that regular walking can help extend healthy life expectancy.
The NHS will fund the initial setup, while rewards will be supported through partnerships with public and private organisations. Supporters say making exercise simple, accessible and rewarding could help more people become active, although experts stress that lifestyle initiatives must be combined with wider public health measures.
