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Health officials to walk ‘Appalachian Trail’ Jul. 25, 2015 @ 04:40 PM Keith Upchurch DURHAM — Orange County Health Department officials have thrown down the gauntlet to their counterparts in Durham, challenging them to walk the Appalachian Trail. The 2,168-mile walk won’t really be on the trail, but will be measured by Fitbits and other devices that count every step a staff member takes. The first team to collectively log the equivalent mileage of the length of the trail wins bragging rights and a trophy. The challenge begins Aug. 3. It’s the second challenge this year for the Orange County staff, who collectively walked 2,505 miles in March and April, reaching their goal ahead of the eight weeks they expected it to take. This time, their competitive spirit is turned outward. As of Friday, 35 people at the Orange County Health Department had signed up, compared to 50 in Durham’s department, which has a larger staff. “We hope to continue to motivate people to walk and practice healthy behaviors,” Stac y Shelp, communications manager at the Orange County Health Department, said. “I think the extra challenge of competing against Durham has really inspired more people to get involved.” The real goal, she said, is to get the public to follow step. “Walking is such a great form of physical activity,” Shelp said. “Walking during the day helps keep you energized and your brain engaged. It improves your physical and mental health.” Shelp said last spring’s challenge produced the added benefit of bringing staff members closer together. “We’ve seen an increase in morale and staff cohesion,” she said. Research shows daytime walking boosts a person’s mental capacity and stimulation in th e afternoon, she said. “A cup of coffee can wake you up but give you the jitters,” Shelp said. “I have yet to see a walk give someone the jitters.” Shelp expects the challenge to last seven or eight weeks. It will culminate in a joint celebration at Little River Regional Park, a park shared by Durham and Orange counties.