Wellmark Set the Pace Challenge returns in 2021 / March 4, 2021
Officials from Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® announced the return of the Wellmark Set the Pace Challenge. The challenge encourages Iowans and South Dakotans to develop sustainable, healthy habits throughout 2021 — starting with participating in the virtual Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark that runs April 17 through 25.
As part of the challenge, one community in Iowa and one community in South Dakota with the highest percentage of its residents participating in the virtual Grand Blue Mile — measured by the number of registrants for a given ZIP code against its total population — will be awarded $10,000 to use on a project that promotes safe, inclusive and accessible places in which to be active, such as a park, playground or trail.
“At a time when improving our personal and collective well-being is so important, we’re hopeful the return of this challenge can serve as a springboard for Iowans and South Dakotans to prioritize their fitness,” said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark’s senior brand marketing manager and Grand Blue Mile co-race director. “Wellmark is passionate about promoting community health and this award provides a great incentive for residents to rally around in making a positive difference for Iowa and South Dakota. The benefits are two-fold: participants will be engaging in a fun, physical activity, all while making a concerted effort to better their communities.”
Previous Iowa winners of Wellmark’s Set the Pace Challenge include Urbandale, Lohrville and Odebolt. These communities successfully rallied their residents to take the top prize — each investing the award in projects that improved their built environment and encouraged physical activity. Additional information and resources, including past project videos and a digital toolkit for communities are available here.
Register today
Registration for the 2021 virtual Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark is now open. For just $10 each, participants receive a 2021 Grand Blue Mile event shirt and race bib shipped directly to their door. As part of Wellmark’s commitment to improving the health of our next generation, all proceeds benefit Iowa Kidstrong youth fitness programs and support student participation in the annual Drake Relays.