Residents throughout the borough are being urged to kick off their slippers and stride out across Islington during the council’s week-long walking challenge – Walk Islington.<br><br>Competition entrants will be encouraged to walk their socks off in a bid to promote walking as a green and healthy alternative to driving. <br><br>The competition runs from 15 – 22 September, with a finale celebration event on Thursday 22 September. As part of the finale event, a free 5km guided walk will set off from St Mary Magdalene Gardens, situated between Holloway Road and Liverpool Road at 7pm. <br><br>After a one-hour stroll, walkers will arrive back in the gardens in time for a twilight awards ceremony with atmospheric lighting, sound and circus performance as prizes are awarded to the team who walked the longest distance during the competition.<br><br>Cllr Bridget Fox, executive member for sustainability said:<br><br>"Walking is great exercise, you don't need any special equipment and it's great for the environment, too. By walking instead of driving to the school, shops or cinema, you can improve your own and your family's health by helping reduce pollution, noise and congestion on our busy roads." <br><br>Competition entrants will measure their steps with a pedometer during the week-long challenge, with a prize weekend away up for grabs!<br><br>The walking challenge is open to everyone, although one team member must be aged 18 or over. <br><br>Register online on www.islington.gov.uk/greentravel or phone Contact Islington on 020 7527 2000.<br><br>The 22 September finale event also coincides with Car Free Day, another one of the council’s green transport initiatives as part of good going week.<br><br>ENDS<br><br>Notes to Editor:<br>· Islington council are doing this as part of good going week<br>· This is a joint venture between Islington Council and Open Source Productions<br>· For further information go to www.islington.gov.uk/greentravel
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009