4TH ANNUAL 100-MILE AQUA CHALLENGE PROMOTES COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The Eugene Family YMCA, City of Eugene Recreation, Willamalane Park & Recreation District, and River Road Park & Recreation District invite the community to swim or aqua jog 100 miles in 2025
Eugene, Ore., Jan. 14, 2025 – The Eugene Family YMCA, in partnership with City of Eugene Recreation, Willamalane Park & Recreation District, and River Road Park & Recreation District, is excited to announce the 4th Annual 100-Mile Aqua Challenge. This event motivates individuals and encourages a year-long investment in water workouts to improve health, build community and highlight the fun of aquatic fitness.
Participants can log their miles, laps or yards until Dec. 31, 2025, as they work toward the 100-mile goal. The investment pays off in terms of an increase in their fitness level, reduced strain on joints and improved mental health, as well as their involvement in a community effort.
“The 100-Mile Aqua Challenge is a wonderful opportunity to create community,” said Y Aquatics Director Sabrina Hershey-Black. “Swimmers are cheering each other on in the Y pool and on social media. Even though swimming is seen as a solo sport, our participants love that they are working toward a common goal.”
For the second consecutive year, City of Eugene Rec and Willamalane are proud challenge partners. River Road Park joins as a first-time partner, adding another pool to the growing network of participants.
“This challenge perfectly aligns with the City of Eugene Rec’s mission to provide recreation opportunities that enhance health, happiness and livability,” said Robbie Guthrie, Program Supervisor for City of Eugene Aquatics. “With our three pools, we’re proud to support this beloved challenge that brings people together for a shared goal of wellness and community.”
Last year’s challenge drew 203 participants who completed their miles at pools, lakes and rivers, primarily around Oregon but in other parts of the county as well. Collectively, participants logged an impressive 263,823 hours of swimming and aqua jogging, covering a total of 5,434 miles. In addition to tracking miles, participants joined Aqua Challenge gatherings designed to foster camaraderie and connection among the group.
“The 100-Mile Aqua Challenge has been a great motivator for me,” says Rex Fox, a three-time participant turning 70 next month. “Since joining, I’ve increased my swimming from 150 miles a year to 258 miles! Tracking my progress and competing with others is fun, and it keeps me active. I’d encourage anyone looking for extra motivation to sign up—your body will thank you!”
2025 CHALLENGE DETAILS
- Who: Anyone
- What: Swim or aqua jog 100 miles
- Where: Any pool or body of water where you can track your mileage
- Dates: From Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025
- How: Starting Jan. 1, participants will keep track of their individual mileage using ChallengeHound, an online leaderboard
- Register: Online before April 1, 2025
- Cost: Free! Optional T-shirts are available for $18
- Questions: E-mail sabrina@eugeneymca.org
MEDIA PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY
Join us for a celebration of all our incredible swimmers and aqua joggers, including water-themed trivia and other games, certificates of achievement, open swim and more!
- What: 2024 100-Mile End-of-Challenge Party
- Who: Everyone who participated in the 2024 challenge!
- Date: Friday, January 24
- Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Splash! at Lively Park, 6100 Thurston Rd, Springfield, OR 97478
MEDIA CONTACT
Beth Casper
VP of Community Engagement
Eugene Family YMCA
541.686.9622 ext. 1403
503.302.8776 (cell)
beth@eugeneymca.org
About the Eugene Family YMCA
The Eugene Family YMCA is one of the region's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each year across Lane County, the Y engages thousands of people regardless of age, gender, income or background—to nurture the potential of children, teens and seniors; improve health and well-being; and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA has been serving the Eugene-area since 1887.
About Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Willamalane Park and Recreation District is responsible for maintaining and operating recreation facilities, community centers, pools, parks, trails, and natural areas in Springfield. In addition, the district provides recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, childcare, and recreational activities that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Created by voters in 1944, Willamalane is a special tax district, separate from the city of Springfield, governed by a five-member, elected board of directors and managed by an executive director. In 2022, Willamalane earned CAPRA accreditation, which signifies that the organization’s overall quality of operations, management, and service to the community are aligned with industry best practices.
About Eugene Recreation
Eugene Recreation strives to enrich the lives of people living in our community through diverse opportunities to discover, create and encourage personal and community growth. Research shows that recreating is good for our bodies and our brains, growing new neuron connectors, sharpening our minds and keeping us young. With our three pools and seven community centers, it’s our mission to provide recreation opportunities to all Eugene residents for sharp minds and strong bodies. This mission dates back to 1927 when voters created a commission to establish recreational opportunities as a basic city service.
About River Road Park and Recreation District
River Road Park and Recreation District serves a small area of the North Eugene community. Their mission is to provide exceptional park space and recreation facilities, programs, and services to enhance the livability of the River Road community and the people in the surrounding area. They offer outdoor activities, youth, adult and senior based programs, fitness opportunities, and seasonal events, as well as a public swimming pool for activities year-round. Whether you’re exploring the park, enjoying a variety of programs, or swimming in our pool, River Road Park and Rec is here to help you stay active and connected!
