These hikers at Cave Creek Regional Park didn’t let a rare. damp day keep them off the trails. Photo Courtesy Mike Conklin.
By Mike Conklin
Maricopa County Park & Recreation officials told everyone to take a hike last winter. The response? Participants in the “100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge” logged 21, 538.6 miles, almost enough to circle the globe.
Started in 2012 to commemorate Arizona’s centennial, the program has grown to reach record numbers and already started everyone thinking about next winter. This latest Challenge saw 163 hikers complete the goal.
The program kicked off last November and ran into February. The mileage had to be done on any three of these participating Maricopa County parks: Cave Creek, McDowell Mountain, Estrella Mountain, Lake Pleasant, San Tan Mountain, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Usery Mountain, and White Tank.
Cave Creek was among the parks that held celebration parties, honoring finishers with custom t-shirts and making them eligible for prizes. One participant, Jerry Grant, logged an amazing 554 miles. Four hikers went over 300 miles while 15 more hit the 200-mile mark.
Jerry was among those honored during a recent parks commission meeting, when final statistics were reporter. Asked how he felt about
Lake Pleasant Park added some new trails that got used by these Challenge participants. Photo Courtesy Mike Conklin.
hiking that many miles, he responded: “The only thing I feel is lost. I went hiking almost every day for the last 100 days. It’s just weird.”
There were numerous comeback stories for some participants. One hiker related how she had suffered a broken neck in a car accident and told she would never again walk. Another told of how Multiple Sclerosis did not prevent her from meeting the Challenge.
An event-specific Facebook page was maintained, with hikers contributing dozens of pictures. It also was used to organize small group hikes and meet new friends. It is still available at: https://www.facebook.com/MCParks100MilesIn100Days?fref=ts.
What’s next? Park officials surveyed participants and, among changes, may be adding a division for those who wish to run on the park trails.
Maricopa County Parks Commission meeting honoring the program was a tasty gathering. Photo Courtesy Mike Conklin.
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