October in Motion Challenge
Move Your Way. Every Step Counts
Penguins, get ready to move!This October, join the Clark College community for October in Motion, a 31-day movement challenge and friendly competition with Lower Columbia College.
October in Motion is free, flexible, and open to all Clark College students, faculty, and staff. Walk, roll, bike, swim, dance, strength train, take a fitness class, or find another way to get moving.
Throughout October, we'll go head-to-head with Lower Columbia College to see which college can achieve the highest average steps per participant. The winning college takes home the traveling trophy and bragging rights!
The Challenge runs October 1-31.
How October in Motion Works
- Choose a tracker. Use your smartphone, smartwatch, fitness tracker, or another method to track your daily steps and movement.
- Move your way. Walk, roll, bike, swim, dance, work out, or choose activities you enjoy. Use the Step Equivalency Chart to convert other activities.
- Join the fun. Watch for weekly challenges, activities, and giveaways.
- Submit your log. Turn in your completed October in Motion Log by November 6.
More than Walking
October in Motion uses steps as our common measurement, but there are lots of ways to participate.
Walking, biking, swimming, dancing, strength training, fitness classes, and other activities can all count. Simply use our Step Equivalency Chart to convert qualifying activities into steps.
October in Motion Step Equivalents
Everyone Has a Chance to Win
The more you move, the more chances you have to win.
For every 50,000 steps or step equivalents, you'll receive one entry into the end-of-challenge prize drawing.
Three winners will be selected, plus we'll have additional giveaways and opportunities to win throughout October.
You don't have to have the highest step total to win!
October in Motion Resources:
October in Motion Tracking Log
If you have limited mobility and are unable to participate in Walktober, please check out our Healthy Penguin Nation webpage for other wellbeing activities!
If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to participate in this program please contact Clark College’s Disability Access Center Office at (360) 992-2314 or Melody Williams at (360) 992-2432 or Mwilliams@clark.edu .
Submission Deadline:
Please return your completed October in Motion logs to the Office of People and Culture by Friday, November 6, 2026. You can submit your logs the following ways:
- Intercampus Mail: Send to BRD 133, to Vanessa Bural.
- Email: Email them to Vanessa Bural at vbural@clark.edu.
- In-person: Drop off at the Office of People and Culture, in Baird, room 133, and pick up a complimentary prize (while supplies last).
Key Dates:
| Date | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| Now–Sept 30 | Get ready: download your log, choose a tracker |
| October 1 | Challenge begins — start moving! |
| October 31 | Final day to track activity |
| November 6 | Submit logs via email, intercampus mail, or in person |
| Mid-November | Competition Results and Winners announced! |
Prizes include gift cards, wellness gear, and more!
October In Motion Contact:
Contact Vanessa Bural at vbural@clark.edu or the Office of People and Culture at opc@clark.edu
Walktober Challenge Past Years
2025:
- Participants: 100 Penguins
- Total Steps: 29,071,790 total steps
- Average Steps: 442,149*
- Results: 1st place
2024:
- Participants: 99 Penguins
- Total Steps: 22,285,187 total steps
- Results: 1st place
2023:
- Participants: 84 Penguins
- Total Steps: 23,344,718 total steps
- Results: 3rd place
2020:
- Participants: 34 Penguins
- Total Steps: 347,922
- Results: Clark College retained the Walktober trophy!
2019:
- Participants: 68 Penguins
- Total Steps: 20,435,605
- Clark College brought home the Walktober trophy!
2018:
- Participants: 111 Penguins
- Total Steps: 30,983,800
- Results: 3rd place
2017:
- Participants: 37 Penguins
- Total Steps: 12,615,043
- Results: 2nd place.
2016:
- Participants: 38 Penguins
- Total Steps: 12,412,963
- Results: 2nd
Way to go, Penguin Nation! Looking to get inspired? Check out everybodywalk.org for information and inspiration.
*Note: Student steps and participation were not included in the 2025 college-to-college totals, for the official formerly called Walktober Challenge comparison. Average steps for Clark College are based on the top 33 participants.