Take Your Fitness on a Journey and Win a Medal

In ‘Around the World,’ 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’re eager to travel the world, Duke’s employee wellness program has a new way for you to feel like you’re touring some of the most iconic landmarks across the globe.

In “Around the World,” 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).

“This challenge is a chance to push your limits while exploring the world from wherever you are,” said Carlos Velasquez, LIVE FOR LIFE Fitness Specialist. “It’s a fun and rewarding way to stay active, challenge yourself and discover something new.”

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’s 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’s an average of about four flights per day.

Sign up for Around the World here.

“As you climb toward the top of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll not only build strength and endurance, but also gain a deeper connection to one of the world’s most famous landmarks,” Velasquez said.

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

Share photos with us of your participation through our story idea form or write working@duke.edu.

Follow Working@Duke on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and subscribe on YouTube.