Many people find they are less likely to get as much exercise during the long, cold winter in Midcoast Maine.

As a way to encourage people to be active and perhaps discover some new places to explore, LincolnHealth, 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Lincoln County, and Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust are collaborating to offer the 20th annual Winter Physical Activity Challenge, “Mushing Across Maine.”

The Winter Physical Activity Challenge is a 7-week event open to local businesses, organizations, schools and individuals. Participants are challenged to be physically active for at least 30 minutes, four times a week, or an equivalent amount of time in order to reach the symbolic goal of traveling across the state of Maine. 

Once registered, participants will receive a Challenge Map highlighting winter events and travel destinations across the state of Maine, accompanied by fun facts.

Participants choose how and when they want to be active throughout the week, and record their progress on the tracking map. Any time spent doing a physical activity, whether indoors or outdoors, counts toward the goal. To make it easier for people to participate, both the Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA and the Boothbay Region YMCA are making their indoor tracks available to participants at certain times of day during the challenge. 

The challenge will run from Jan. 16 to March 5. People may participate as individuals or can work together with teams.

This program is free of charge and all are welcome to participate. Registration is required and can be done online at bit.ly/mushing-2023. The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 20.

For more information, email LCHWOWCouncil@mainehealth.org or call LincolnHealth Education at 207-563-4540.