Teams of walkers from workplaces around the State can boost their fitness by competing in a new corporate challenge in this year's Walk Week. 

Department of Transport Manager Walking and Access Alice Haning said the new online challenge was a first for WA that catered for workplaces and was an easy way for more people to track their steps while going about their daily business.

"Walk Week has traditionally catered to schools and community groups through scheduled events", Ms Haning said.

"This year, more people will be able to participate through their workplace simply by using a pedometer and logging their steps into an online challenge register.

"Groups can then see at a glance how they are faring against others, which will boost the competitiveness of the challenge."

Walk Week 2009 will run from 2–8 November, but the corporate challenge will run for a month from 12 October to 8 November.

Groups will need to purchase their own pedometers from around $10 each at a range of outlets and can log their pedometer steps online daily or weekly.

Each member of the team that logs the most steps will win a sports voucher, the new Heart Foundation BBQ cookbook and a Bibbulmun track package.

"There has already been great interest in this challenge and we are expecting hundreds of participants from workplaces across the State, Ms Haning said.

"Its a great opportunity for employers to promote a healthier workplace".

Groups can register online at www.transport.wa.gov.au/walking until Monday 5 October and can begin logging their steps from 12 October. Teams that register by 16 September can win a variety of merchandise including water bottles, lanyards and t-shirts to use in the challenge.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Johnson on 0434 368 419

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