Islanders can step up to the take Park and Recreation’s newest Let’s Move challenge: walking 100 miles between March and October.

The challenge starts March 1. Participants can pick up a free pedometer at the Community and Event Center, Stroum Jewish Community Center or Mary Wayte Pool and track their mileage on the American Heart Association (AHA) website. The website is www.startwalkingnow.org/registration.jsp, and the company box to select when creating a log-in is “City of Mercer Island.”

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., but exercising for 30 minutes each day can reduce risk, according to the AHA website.

The goal of this challenge, and other Let’s Move campaigns, is to raise awareness for a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition and physical activity, in collaboration with community partners.

The challenge is sponsored by Mercer Island Physical Therapy, Mercer Island Pediatric and Mercer Island Foot and Ankle. Prizes for Walk 100 participants include shoes, fitness trackers, nutrition and fitness activity log books, Yoga Bliss classes for one month, smoothie gift cards and more.

Parks and Recreation staff will be posting printable maps on the city website with one to three mile walking paths in five major Island parks – Luther Burbank, Aubrey Davis, Pioneer, Island Crest and Mercerdale, which could provide a combined workout with the Healthy Living equipment installed last year.

“Walking is such an easy exercise trend, and we have a lot of great walking areas in our community,” said Diane Mortenson, recreation superintendent.

National Walking Day is on April 1. City events like the Spring 5K on May 16, Summer Celebration! One Mile Pirate Poker Run on July 11 and Monster Mash run on Oct. 31 will help participants rack up mileage.

Data from fitness trackers or smartphone apps can also be entered into the AHA website, for Islanders who prefer high-tech alternatives to the city-provided pedometers.

For more, go to www.letsmovemercerisland.com.