Shoreline’s 2nd Annual Million Stair Challenge starts in June

Challenge yourself, compete against others and win prizes in this month-long event!

Are you ready for a real challenge? During the month of June, the City of Shoreline is challenging its parks users to see how many stairs they can climb at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Along with spectacular views, the park, located at 2021 NW 190th Street, is home to a bank of 188 stairs with over an 85ft. elevation gain. With stair climbing known to be one of the best cardiovascular and calorie burning workouts, the Million Stair Challenge is a great way for us all to step up our fitness routine in the spirit of making shoreline a “healthy city” and good old fashioned competition.

In 2012, Parks Director Dick Deal set forth the first Million Stair Challenge to encourage physical fitness and to see if people could climb enough stairs during the month of June to reach the one million mark. That challenge was met with an amazing response and the goal of 1 million stairs climbed was surpassed by over 200,000! (1,238,384 to be exact).

As a frequent stair climber himself, Deal has seen an increase in the number of people climbing the stairs. “For the 2013 Challenge, we’re pretty sure we can climb 1 million stairs,” stated Deal. “However, it won’t be long until the question will be how many millions of stairs can we climb.” To entice everyone to participate is this year’s challenge, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is expanding the event to include prizes awarded to top climbers and a special end of challenge potluck and BBQ held in the park for participants.

The rules of the Million Stair Challenge are simple; climb as many stairs as you can on as many days as you like during the month of June. Log the number of full or half flights you have climbed on either our online or paper tracking form and the Parks and Recreation Staff will keep track of all the numbers and post weekly updates on the Million Stair Challenge website As a special addition for 2013, anyone who uses the online tracking form and provides their email address will be eligible to win Million Stair Challenge prizes!

Shoreline’s City Council adopted a Healthy City Strategy in 2011 that supports and encourages community members to make healthy choices. Initiatives such as the Million Stairs Challenge will continue as the City works to support Shoreline residents in maintaining healthy lifestyles.

More details on the Million Stair Challenge, including prizes and more instructions can be found on the website or by contacting Recreation Coordinator Courtney Brown 206-801-2635.