In early March 2017, Store Manager Jeff Ward and Assistant Customer Service Manager Joshua Stefanski, #1510, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were trying to think of a way to help their associates become more physically active while inspiring a little friendly competition. They had two ideas: start a running group or host a step challenge for their associates. And then they learned about the Step It Up challenge.

“After Step It Up was announced, Joshua and I thought it was a perfect time to start a running group, and I decided to get the other stores in our area involved,” said Jeff.

Jeff reached out to stores #1478, Pawleys Island, #1479, North Myrtle Beach and #1524, Myrtle Beach, and invited them to participate. Six to 18 associates from the four stores met every Thursday night at Market Common, a centrally-located shopping center, to walk or run around the neighboring lake. Jeff made sure to wear his Life. Inspired. T-shirt and worked to make the meet-ups fun for those who participated.

Beyond the challenge, associates at #1510 found another way to spread the Life. Inspired. message in their community. A nearby gym invited them to set up a table during fitness month, and associates jumped at the chance to share Publix’s culture and Better Choice products. During the event, they gave away bottles of Publix water and samples of the produce department’s mixed berry yogurt parfait.

So, did the running group continue after Step It Up ended?

“When summer hit, it was too hot, and no one wanted to exercise outside,” laughed Jeff. “But after the weather started changing, we got our group out and running again! The Publix-sponsored Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon in October was good motivation to get into an active routine.”