From now until April 21, local fitness app RunKeeper is asking the community to commemorate the 118th Boston Marathon by logging 118 million miles of activity.
In the wake of the tragic events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon, the city didn't falter. Instead, as RunKeeper noted, something "remarkable" happened:
Runners and fitness enthusiasts everywhere used their grief as fuel to push themselves to move more than ever.
Thousands gathered in Kenmore Square to finish the race roughly one month later; others celebrated life by dancing in the Common. Bostonians stood strong and remained resilient, running and exercising in solidarity with the hundreds injured following the bombing.
RunKeeper wanted to rally around that sense of community, and engage their own community in a challenge designed to inspire and motivate: #118forBoston.
"We wanted to … give everyone something big to work towards — together," said Erin Glabets, RunKeeper's content manager, in an email to BostInno. "We've found that community spirit has been really powerful, and we are excited to see what everyone can accomplish together."
The Boston-based company, which offers up a free Android and iPhone app, is now tracking the progress live by counting all miles posted in RunKeeper, whether they come from running, walking, bike riding or any other distance-based activity. The team is also encouraging users to post an activity with the hashtag #118forBoston, so their profile picture can be featured on the campaign's homepage.
So far, the app has already tracked more than five million miles. The RunKeeper team is determined, however, to hit their goal.
"The challenge is a big one," Glabets said, "but we feel ready to take it on!"
