UF launches 'Below the Equator' walking challenge

The University of Florida has opened registration for “Below the Equator,” a June walking challenge that asks participants to log steps as part of a virtual trip across South America. A June 1 post on UF At Work said the program is part of GatorCare’s monthly wellness programming. The university described the challenge as a virtual adventure through South America’s landmarks and said participants can sign up through the GatorCare website. The program is listed under UF’s broader Worklife wellness offerings for faculty and staff. ### Who is running the challenge? GatorCare is running the June program through the University of Florida’s employee wellness system. UF At Work said the challenge is a GatorCare walking event, while the university’s Worklife wellness page lists Well at UF programs as part of support offered to faculty and staff. The Worklife site says those programs include fitness classes, health education resources and other wellness tools. (news.hr.ufl.edu) UF’s Worklife page also provides a contact email for wellness questions, indicating the challenge sits within the university’s established employee well-being programming rather than as a one-off event. ### What does “Below the Equator” ask participants to do? The June 1 university post says participants will “journey through South America” by walking during the month. UF described the route as a virtual adventure tied to the continent’s landscapes and landmarks, naming the Nazca Lines and Machu Picchu in its announcement. (news.hr.ufl.edu) The university did not, in the announcement text available online, specify a public step total, prize structure or team format. (worklife.hr.ufl.edu) The post instead directs readers to the GatorCare website for registration and additional details. ### Where does this fit in UF’s wellness programming? UF’s Worklife division lists wellness programs as part of a broader package for employees that includes mindfulness resources, fitness classes, webinars and support services. (news.hr.ufl.edu) The walking challenge appears alongside other recurring well-being offerings promoted through UF Human Resources and Worklife channels. March 23, 2026, provides a recent example of that format. (news.hr.ufl.edu) UF At Work posted another GatorCare walking program, “The Great Kiwi Conquest,” which invited teams to take a virtual route across New Zealand from March 30 to April 27. That earlier event suggests the university has been using themed virtual walking challenges as a recurring engagement tool this year. (worklife.hr.ufl.edu) ### Where can employees find the registration page? The June 1 UF At Work post links readers to the GatorCare website to register and learn more. UF’s HR calendar and Worklife pages also serve as hubs for employee wellness and event information, though the walking-challenge announcement specifically points participants to GatorCare for sign-up. The university’s wellness pages say Well at UF programs are designed for faculty and staff, and the Worklife site invites users with questions to contact the wellness team by email. (news.hr.ufl.edu) ### What happens next in June? June is the active window for the “Below the Equator” challenge, according to UF’s June 1 announcement. Participants who want to join can register now through the GatorCare link in the university post and follow the virtual South America route during the month. (news.hr.ufl.edu) (worklife.hr.ufl.edu)