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Take the 20 minute activity challenge

All Canadians are invited to participate in the annual 20 Minute Challenge this Wednesday, July 13. The catalyst for the event is Running Room founder John Stanton, who believes everyone can be an athlete, even just for a day.
Chritstine Blanchette
cross-country running
Grade 8 Glenbrook Middle School runner Grace Fetherstonhaugh, right at Bear Creek meet in Surrey, won the BurWest/Richmond zone girls' cross-country title at Central Park last week.Photo submitted

All Canadians are invited to participate in the annual 20 Minute Challenge this Wednesday, July 13. The catalyst for the event is Running Room founder John Stanton, who believes everyone can be an athlete, even just for a day. The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest about 20 minutes per day of physical activity to achieve health benefits.

The inaugural event took place in July of 2004, when Order of Canada recipient, and founder of Running Room, John Stanton invited the country to come out and bring friends and family to participate in a 20 minute run or walk as part of a healthy lifestyle. 

The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous, intensity aerobic, physical activity per week to achieve health benefits.  In line with these guidelines, John Stanton also encourages Canadians to take the challenge and get active on July 13, 20 minutes a day of exercise can change you from spectator to athlete.

Here are eight motivational activity tips to follow:

  1. Walk/run/cycle to and from work.
  2. Go for a lunchtime walk.
  3. Join a team sport.
  4. Bring a friend to motivate each other.
  5. Run with your kids, or push them in a stroller.
  6. Bring your dog.
  7. Set a time goal.
  8. Listen to an audio book or your favorite playlist.

Close to 20,000 participants are expected to take the 20 Minute Challenge across Canada. Anyone interested can register for free by signing up online. Events are scheduled at Running Room locations and all signees, who take part, will receive a free 20 Minute Challenge run hat. For more information, please email: [email protected].