JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The First Coast YMCA and the Tampa YMCA went head-to-head again Tuesday to see which community can complete the most miles on a treadmill in 12 hours.
More than 3,200 Floridians logged nearly 6,700 miles.
In the end, Tampa Bay ended up surpassing Jacksonville by just 21 miles with 3,358 miles logged by 1,630 participants.
Jacksonville had 1,580 residents complete 3,337 miles during the 12-hour event.
The goal for the third annual event was to see who could travel the longest distance. The competition went from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the public was able to take part by going to any YMCA and walking, running or jogging on the treadmill for 30 minutes. It was also free.
The community was able to participate by posting to Facebook and Twitter and using #TreadmillTuesday or tagging @FirstCoastYMCA.
"Today, it's packed,” said Gail Balanky of Jacksonville. “I mean, I think people are waiting in line to get on the treadmill."
A charitable element was added to this year's challenge, which will support Safety Around Water, the Y’s drowning prevention program for at-risk children on the First Coast.
The YMCA also hopes to inspire people to have healthier routines.
"It's all about getting people moving, so encouraging them to get 30 minutes of physical activity a day,” said Tim Burrows, member experience director for the YMCA.
In 2016 more than 3,400 Floridians logged 7,449 miles, in the event to encourage healthier lifestyles. Nearly 1,750 First Coast residents completed 3,813 miles during the 12-hour event, surpassing Tampa Bay by 177 miles. For the Tampa Bay area, 1,686 residents logged 3,636 miles.