University of Illinois Extension

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Champaign County get involved?

Champaign County has been issued a challenge to make two trips to the moon and back before Peoria and the Quad Cities! Moon Walk started in Peoria in 2003. In 2004 and 2005, the communities of Rockford and Peoria competed to see which community could "walk" to the moon the fastest. In 2006, they invited the Quad Cities to join the race, and this year they invited Champaign County to join. As new challengers, we need to show we are strong competitors!

How do I register?

Register online now. It is $5 per walker. Participants can sign up as a team or individual. It only takes five people to be a team! Each team must designate a team captain. Teams may be from businesses, organizations, churches, or neighborhoods.

What does the $5.00 registration fee cover?

Your registration allows you to participate in the 12-week Moon Walk race and all the events surrounding Moon Walk. You'll also receive a special moon walk t-shirt after you and your team members average 100 miles and the first 100 people to sign up will receive a pedometer. Trophies and awards will be distributed; resources for your team will be available to ensure success! We'll have a Launch Party and a Splash Down.

When can I register?

Registration is open now and is continuous throughout the 12-week race, so feel free to register at any time.

How do I start a Moon Walk team?

It is simple. Recruit family, friends, or co-workers. Designate a team captain. Name your team and register on our website.

What activities count towards Moon Walk?

Every step you take all day every day counts toward Moon Walk, so put your pedometer on in the morning and wear it until you go to bed--and do remember to write down your miles each night. Some activities can be converted to Moon Walk miles. If your activity is not listed here, but is similar in exertion level to one listed, use your best judgment in making a conversion. Remember to take off your pedometer when engaging in these other activities, then use the conversion factor to add on your other activity miles at the end of the day.

When and who should log my miles?

In order for your team's miles to count for the week-end totals, you must log your miles on our website by clicking on Log Your Miles every Friday for the week prior (miles walked from the previous Friday through Thursday). Each participant may log in their own miles. Prizes will be distributed to teams who have walked the most miles at the end of each week.

Why doesn't the Quad Cities' and Peoria's mileage total update automatically?

Only Champaign County teams will use University of Illinois Extension Moon Walk web site to log their miles, which will be calculated automatically. Quad Cities and Peoria will report their totals to Extension on Mondays and we will manually update their totals on our website. The best time to compare totals is on Monday afternoon.

Why does your website say 2,387,000,000 steps for mankind?

2,387,000,000 steps is equal to approximately two round trips to the moon. We know that to beat Peoria we may have to make two round trips to the moon since last year their community accomplished this.

How many miles is it to the moon from Earth?

The Moon is approximately 238,800 miles from Earth

How do I track my miles walked?

The best way to track your miles is by using a pedometer. If your pedometer only tracks your steps, don't worry. Your steps will be automatically converted to miles on the Log Your Miles page of our website.

How do I log my miles on the website?

Click on Log Your Miles from the home page of our website and follow the directions. If you have any problems e-mail or call us.

Where can I buy a pedometer?

Participants can purchase pedometers from retails stores or online from $5-$25. Remember, if you are one of the first 100 people to sign up for Moon Walk you will receive a pedometer!

How do I receive my Moon Walk 2008 t-shirt?

When your team's mileage reaches 100 miles per registered walker, your team captain will be notified along with a time to pick up team t-shirts. You will be responsible to arrange to get your shirt from your team captain. Due to circumstances beyond our control, teams that average 100 miles per walker will receive their t-shirts closer to or at the end of the race. The Moon Walk Staff will still notify the team captain when the team reaches this goal as well as when team t-shirts are ready to be picked up. Thank you for your understanding and continued participation in Moon Walk 2008.

Do you give special discount rates to participating classrooms or youth groups?

Yes, please call our office to find out more.

I am a teacher and my students do not have email and few have internet access at home, can they still participate?

YES! Please call our office. We can make special accommodations to ensure your class' full participation.

How do I register multiple people?

Unfortunately, you cannot register multiple people because participants must agree to a waiver. However, if you are a parent and want to register your entire family, the easiest thing to do is to email yourself the invitation and use the link you are emailed to register each member of your family. If you are a teacher or youth group leader, we can help you register your classroom directly through our office if your students do not have e-mail or internet access, just call us.

Remember to invite others to join your team. Click “Invite Others” once you are registered. Each time you log-in to your account you will have this option. Other members of your team will also be given the option to invite others.