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RICHFIELD — Going 150 miles to celebrate 150 years — that’s the challenge for the month of March, set by Mayor David Ogden for residents of Richfield. Citizens are encouraged to run, walk, bike or swim 150 miles.
Time spent exercising, dancing and even yard work can also count toward achieving those 150 miles. If that goal sounds a little overwhelming for one person, more can join in.
Ogden said, “families can participate, friends can participate, groups can participate. … We’ll involve our whole community in one way or another.”
Twenty miles of newly completed jogging trails, and soon to be 50 miles, spanning Sevier Valley are one of the many ways to earn those 150 miles. Local gyms are behind the initiative, offering a discounted membership for the month. The local newspaper and radio station have also hopped on board.
Commemorative pins made special for the occasion will be handed out to those to meet the challenge as well as a party, including a live concert with the Beach Boys. All this is part of a year-long celebration Ogden is pushing.
It was 150 years ago that 10 men came into Sevier Valley in the fall, built a fort and survived through the winter. The following spring they brought their families to settle in and call it home. Ogden said, “150 years ago, one of my progenitors was one of those men.”
Ogden said he takes this challenge to heart. His team, comprised of his wife and himself, plans to accomplish the 150 miles to inspire even residents who may not be very active.
“Maybe somebody that has a hard time getting out at all might start by just walking around the block,” Ogden said.
For an active community deemed the “valley of trails,” and a cool March breeze to keep the air fresh and moving, the mayor and citizens said it is the perfect time to have a call to "action."
“We like to think of ourselves as a very friendly community, a very welcoming community, and what better way to welcome people than to have a smile that is brought out by being healthy,” Ogden said.
