Take Your Fitness on a Journey and Win a Medal

In 鈥楢round the World,鈥 which launches in April, Duke staff and faculty are challenged to conquer heights and distances equal to global landmarks

A graphic displays an image of Earth with global landmarks sticking out from the edges and the words "Around the World Challenge 2025"
Around the World is a new fitness challenge from LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program. Graphic by Paul Figuerado

If you鈥檙e eager to travel the world, Duke鈥檚 employee wellness program has a new way for you to feel like you鈥檙e touring some of the most iconic landmarks across the globe.

In 鈥,鈥 a new fitness challenge offering, staff and faculty set activity goals that correspond to the distance or height of a well-known geographical location during a monthlong challenge from LIVE FOR LIFE, the employee wellness program. The challenge will take place each fall and spring, tackling a total of two landmarks each year.

You might be tasked with walking a portion of the length of the Great Wall of China (the entire distance is 13,171 miles) or climbing the same number of stairs that it takes to reach the top of the Empire State Building (1,250 feet).

鈥淭his challenge is a chance to push your limits while exploring the world from wherever you are,鈥 said Carlos Velasquez, LIVE FOR LIFE Fitness Specialist. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a fun and rewarding way to stay active, challenge yourself and discover something new.鈥

To kick off Around the World, in April, staff and faculty are challenged to climb stairs to equal the height of the Eiffel Tower.

That鈥檚 1,083 feet tall, which equates to 124 flights of stairs. If you take the stairs every day in April throughout the monthlong challenge, that鈥檚 an average of about four flights per day.

Sign up for Around the World .

鈥淎s you climb toward the top of the Eiffel Tower, you鈥檒l not only build strength and endurance, but also gain a deeper connection to one of the world鈥檚 most famous landmarks,鈥 Velasquez said.

When you log your activity and reach the goal, you鈥檒l receive a physical medal highlighting the geographic landmark conquered to display your worldly achievement.

Share photos with us of your participation through  or write working@duke.edu.

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