A team of 216 faculty, staff and administrators logged more than 84.2 million steps between April 4 and June 12 in the second University Walking Challenge through the American Heart Association. UofL participants averaged 389,837 each. UK walkers averaged only 376,510 steps each.

“All of your walkers are winners and should be congratulated for participating and making their health a priority,” wrote Kathy Renbarger, executive director/metro vice president, AHA, in a letter to President James Ramsey this week announcing the victory.

“I always say that competition between the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky is healthy competition, making both schools better,” said Ramsey, who participated in the challenge. “In this case, it’s literally true. UofL and UK employees are healthier and more fit because of the walking challenge. And, yes, we’re always happy to bring home a trophy from competition with our friends from Lexington.”

This is the second year for the challenge. UK won last year and received the “Moving Challenge” trophy. Now it will come to UofL. The AHA and Get Healthy Now are planning a fall presentation.