Governor and First Lady Encourage Missourians to Celebrate National Trails Day This Saturday, Participate in the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge

Press Release

Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are encouraging Missourians to get outdoors on National Trails Day on June 4 and participate in the Governor's 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. Now in its fourth year, the challenge encourages Missourians to complete "100 Missouri Miles" of physical activity, while enjoying Missouri's great outdoors.

"In 2013, when Missouri was named the Best Trails State, we created this challenge to celebrate our state's incredible trail systems," said Gov. Nixon. "To date, Missourians have logged nearly 5 million miles through the challenge. It's an outstanding accomplishment, and as we continue the challenge in 2016, we want to encourage even more people to explore Missouri's trails and discover the many benefits of outdoor activity."

In 2016, Missourians are encouraged to run, walk, bike, ride, swim, hike, paddle or roll their way to 100 miles of physical outdoor activity. At 100MissouriMiles.com, participants can sign up to log their miles and earn digital badges to mark their accomplishments. In 2015, the program introduced "Buddy Miles," to allow participants to use their account to log miles for family, friends and pets.

"One of the highlights of this program is that it encourages families to get out in nature and experience all the great outdoors has to offer," said First Lady Nixon. "Whether you are exploring a neighborhood trail nearby or going off on a rugged adventure in a state park, there is something for everyone to enjoy."

On June 4, the Governor and First Lady will host the second annual Governor's Capitol Campout in Jefferson City. Approximately 100 participants have been invited from St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and mid-Missouri to learn about camping, enjoy outdoor activities and spend the night under the stars at the Capitol Complex. The event is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Missouri State Parks, a division of the Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Coleman Company, Inc. Campouts are being held in 17 states as part of a national initiative by the American Recreation Coalition.

American Hiking Society's National Trails Day is the country's largest celebration of trails. It is a nationwide event designed to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States. Special events to celebrate in Missouri include guided hikes and trail events in state parks, conservation areas and municipal parks. For more information on National Trails Day, visit americanhiking.org/national-trails-day.

Last year, American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of the nation's hiking, biking and riding trails, recognized Missouri with the Outstanding Media Award for the Governor's 100 Missouri Mile Challenge.

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