Clinton, NC, June 22, 2026: What began as a way to celebrate a milestone anniversary evolved into a three-month wellness initiative that strengthened employee health, fostered workplace connections, and resulted in more than 108 million steps toward a healthier future.
As part of its 75th Anniversary celebration, Sampson Regional Medical Center challenged employees to take a simple step toward better health, then another, and another. Over the course of the hospital's 75th Anniversary Walking Challenge, nearly 200 employees collectively logged an impressive 108,138,339 steps covering 49,153 miles: the equivalent of traveling across the United States more than 16 times, walking nearly twice around the Earth's equator, or completing more than 1,875 marathons! Collectively, participants averaged more than 549,000 steps per employee during the three-month challenge.
The challenge ran from March 20 through June 20 and engaged 197 employees, who averaged 7,157 steps per day while balancing work, family responsibilities, and everyday life.
"We wanted to create something fun, accessible, and achievable for everyone," said Morgan Shaw, Director of Business Development at Sampson Regional Medical Center. "What we discovered was that a simple challenge to move more sparked a culture shift. Employees encouraged one another, celebrated milestones together, and found creative ways to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines."
Participants tracked their progress using the StepUp app, which featured an interactive leaderboard that encouraged friendly competition throughout the challenge. Employees who completed the program received a commemorative 75th Anniversary Walking Challenge T-shirt.
"Creating a SampsonRMC team in the StepUp app gave employees another way to stay connected and motivated throughout the challenge," said Isabella (Faison) Ellis. "The friendly competition encouraged participants to keep moving, celebrate each other's progress, and stay engaged from start to finish. It was rewarding to see how something so simple helped build enthusiasm and accountability across the organization."
For some participants, the challenge became a personal commitment. Employees purchased fitness trackers to monitor their progress, added walking pads to their offices, organized lunchtime walks, and found new ways to stay active throughout the day.
"The most rewarding outcome was seeing employees realize that improving their health doesn't always require a gym membership or a major lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes it starts with simply moving a little more today than you did yesterday," Shaw said.
Research consistently shows that regular walking can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, boost energy levels, and support overall well-being. Hospital leaders believe the challenge also had a positive impact on employee morale, creating friendly competition and opportunities for staff members from different departments to connect.
Inspired by the success of the initiative, Sampson Regional Medical Center is encouraging other businesses and organizations to consider launching their own walking challenges.
"The beauty of this program is its simplicity," Shaw said. "Whether you have 10 employees or 1,000, a walking challenge can improve employee wellness while strengthening teamwork and workplace culture."
Organizations interested in learning more about implementing a walking challenge are encouraged to contact Morgan Shaw, Director of Business Development, at 910-592-8511 extension 5407.
As Sampson Regional Medical Center celebrates 75 years of caring for the community, the Walking Challenge stands as another example of its commitment to improving health beyond the walls of the hospital. Sometimes creating a healthier community begins with advanced medical care. Other times, it begins with simply taking the first step.