In 2025, walkers in our Wilde Lake StepUp group logged over 3.7 million steps in the inaugural Village Walktober Challenge. This year, we’d like to set a VR – that’s a Village Record – and walk even more.

This is a healthy challenge where you can set your own goals. All you need to do is:

  • Download the free StepUp app and join the Wilde Lake Walktober Challenge 2026 group. All information stays private except your name and step count.
  • If you choose, you may sync the app with your wearable device; otherwise, it acts as a pedometer whenever you have your phone on you.
  • Start walking any time. Steps logged between Oct. 1-31 will automatically count toward the challenge final.
  • Looking for walking events, groups, and pathway maps? Follow WLCA on Facebook @wildelakevillage and on Instagram @wildelake, and visit Howard County’s Walktober page.

Recommended routes from WLCA’s socials:

  1. Partial Wilde Lake Out and Back (flat, 1 mile)
  2. Bryant Woods Loop (some hills, 1.5 miles)
  3. Running Brook Out and Back (gentle inclines, lots to do!, .8 miles)
  4. Full Wilde Lake Pathway (hills, 1.3 miles)
  5. Faulkner Ridge Loop (gentle inclines, 1.7 miles) 

Remember: every step counts. Let’s make it a #WLWalktober!

We recommend using the On the Go Map app to build routes and check distance. Questions? Contact Lexi Levy Milani at [email protected].