By Rebekah Hall
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK — Beginning Feb. 23, Arkansans can register for the spring session of Walk Across Arkansas, a free, group-based exercise program that encourages participants to develop healthy habits and get moving.
The competition is hosted each spring and fall by the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Participants can sign up as individuals or in groups of three to eight people. Throughout the competition, participants log their minutes of physical activity each day.
Registration is open from Feb. 23 to March 8, and the eight-week program runs from March 9 to May 3. Register and learn more at walk.uada.edu.
Bryce Daniels, extension assistant professor of health for the Division of Agriculture, said Walk Across Arkansas is a “simple way to feel better, build healthy habits and stay connected with others.”
“The spring session is a fresh opportunity to reset after winter, get moving as the weather warms up and enjoy the motivation that comes from being part of a team,” Daniels said. “Even small steps add up, and participating can help you feel more energized, less stressed and more connected to your community. If you’re looking for a fun and supportive way to be more active, this is the perfect time to join.”
Benefits of exercise
In the fall 2025 session of Walk Across Arkansas, 732 participants from 50 Arkansas counties reported more than 1.6 million minutes of physical activity. Of 75 participants who responded to a follow-up survey after the session, 95 percent reported being more physically active during the program.
Daniels said that a unique element of Walk Across Arkansas is its emphasis on group participation.
“Aside from the well-known physical and mental benefits of being active — such as improved overall health and better stress management — Walk Across Arkansas also strengthens social connections by encouraging people to be active together,” Daniels said. “It creates a sense of community at the individual, county and even state level.
“The friendly competition makes being active more interactive, but my hope is that everyone finishes the program feeling the positive impact of living a more physically active life,” he said.
Anyone can participate in Walk Across Arkansas. Division of Agriculture employees must use a personal email address, not their work email address, to register. Visit walk.uada.edu to learn more and register, or contact your local county extension agent.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
