Walktober

Welcome to Walktober 2025!

A Month of Community Building and Goal Setting

Walk and Roll

Walktober is a free, 31 day health promotion event designed to motivate the PSU community to connect with each other and become more active. Set personal goals, enjoy friendly competition, participate in weekly challenges, and have a chance to earn prizes  as you get outside and increase your step count—whenever and wherever you want! Complete the Walktober 2025 registration form and participate as an individual or team, then get walking or rolling!

We will be starting Walktober this year on October 6th and will end on November 6th. To celebrate the start of Walktober we will be having a kick-off event on October 6th from 12:30pm-1:30pm at ASRC 215 at Campus Rec! Join us for a good time and to meet new people to form teams for Walktober. We will also be unveiling our calendar and promoting our group walks scheduled around the PSU area.

One of the best parts of Walktober is the opportunity to participate with a team. This year we will have an open group for students and an open group for staff/faculty,, so if you’d like to be on a team but do not yet have one—we’ve got you covered! Upon registering for the individual challenge via Pacer,  you will be able to select a team to join—just look for any team that says “Open Team.” These groups do not need to meet up in person, it’s simply a way to build connections across campus and enjoy the added motivation of participating with a team. 

The New Strides

• Just getting started? Join the New Strides and take your first strides towards a healthier lifestyle. This group is perfect for anyone looking to try new hobbies, improve their fitness, and build lasting habits. Best suited for those currently averaging ~5,000 steps or less per day.

The Pathfinders

• Ready to take it up a notch? The Pathfinders are here to help you elevate your routine and challenge yourself. This team is for those who already have a solid fitness foundation and want to keep pushing forward. Best suited for those currently averaging ~5,000-10,000 steps per day.

The Marathon Masters

• Are you a seasoned fitness enthusiast? The Marathon Masters are for those who live and breathe competition. Join fellow fitness pros and push your limits in a high-energy, goal-driven environment. Best suited for those currently averaging 10,000+ steps per day.

The Walk & Talkers

• Looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people? The Walk & Talkers is all about enjoying the journey. Whether you're here for the sights, the chats, or just the company, this team is your perfect fit. Best suited for those whose average step count currently varies on social opportunities and the desire to explore your local community.

Step Ambassadors

• Connect with your peers and get your steps in with the Step Ambassadors. This group is ideal for Campus Rec/PSU staff who want to network, represent, and stay active while supporting the Walktober mission. Best suited for those whose average step count currently varies on professional commitments or schedule flexibility.
   

If you have questions or would like to request accommodations, please contact our Walktober team at walktober@pdx.edu. We’d love to hear from you!

Manual Step Tracking Guide

Syncing a Fitness Device or Smartphone

To learn how to sync ChallengeRunner with a fitness device or smartphone (not required), check out this ChallengeRunner guide.

Information for Wheelchair users

If you already have an activity tracker that you use, simply sync your device to Challenge Runner in order to track “steps” in our challenge.

If you do not have an activity tracker and you would like to enter your steps manually, you can track 100 steps for each minute of rolling. For information on how to enter steps manually, refer to the Challenge Runner guide. 
 

Prizes & Incentives

This year we are allowing participants to choose their own Step Goal Incentive (ranging from 200k steps-400k steps for the month of October). 
Participants who reach their personal goal, will be eligible for a prize at the end of the challenge. Prizes will be announced once Walktober gets started, so keep an eye on your emails for more information!
 

Team Prizes (based on a team’s average # of steps): 

• This year, the top three teams will not be eligible for additional prizes, but will be recognized at our closing ceremony. 
   
• All participating teams will be eligible to be awarded superlatives, based on the amount of community and participation they gather. Stay tuned for our superlative categories! 
   

*Individuals on a team are also eligible for the step goal incentive.

*Youth participants are not eligible for prizes.

Event Calendar

Walktober FAQs

Q. Can I bring my pet or child with me on a walk? 

A: Yes, you are welcome to bring pets on leashes and children on Walktober events!

Q. What kind of attire should I wear for Walktober events?

A: Walktober events are not strenuous and any form of walking attire is welcome. Sneakers or other comfortable shoes are highly encouraged. 

Q. What is the pace of the walk? What is the terrain like?

A: We try to go at a pace that anyone can join in on for accessibility reasons. Please feel free to bring small children or your mobility aids! There will also be no hiking/rough terrain. 

Q. How long are the planned walktober walks?

A: Walktober event walks are around 40 mins long with time to gather and close on either end. 

Q. What should I bring with me on a walktober walk?

A: Water or other hydration is highly suggested! Umbrellas or rain jackets may also be a good idea as Oregon Fall’s are very rainy. Checking the weather the day of is encouraged. Snacks are also encouraged as food is not provided on walks!

Q. Can I bring a non-PSU family member or friend with me on the walks?

A: Yes, your friends and family are welcome to join!