"Winter marathon" will be held January in Winneshiek County

A "Beat the Blues Winter Marathon Challenge" will be held during all of January in Winneshiek County.

The event will challenge people to run, walk, bike, ski, snowshoe or play outside to equal a full marathon--26 miles--over the month.  The marathon officially runs January 1st through the 31st, but anyone is welcome to begin their marathon in December to take advantage of winter breaks.

Mileage logs can be found at www.winneshiekwild.com.  All participants who complete one or more marathons will be entered into drawings for prizes.

Completed mileage logs can be mailed to Ashley Christensen at 325 Washington Street in Decorah, emailed to conservation@winneshiekwild.com, or brought to a "Final Mile Party" to be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31st at Whalen Cabin in Decorah.  The Final Mile Party will feature games, snow activities, crafts, and outdoor activities.  It is open to everyone, even those who haven't completed or attempted a winter marathon.  Call (563) 534-7145 with questions.

The Beat the Blues Winter Marathon Challenge is a project of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission/Safe Routes to School, Winneshiek County Conservation, and Decorah Parks and Recreation with assistance from the Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and other sponsors.