Diverse Groups Encouraged To Participate in Hennepin County ‘Step to it Challenge’

May is coming up quickly — and that means it’s time for Hennepin County’s annual “Step to it Challenge.”

It’s a challenge for all ages and abilities, and this year, one Maple Grove-based walking group is up for it.

“Three-hundred sixty-five days a year! Every Sunday. Snow, rain, shine, fall. We take it all,” said Laura Amirales, organizer for Corazon Caminante, a Latino walking group with members from across the Twin Cities.

Translated to English, Corazon Caminante means “Walking Heart.” The group was founded about a year ago and members meet each Sunday to walk. Amirales said the group’s been good for the heart in a number of ways. 

“We are full of love,” Amirales said. “Every morning when we get together, we hug each other. We support each other. We are a pillar of whatever the community needs; we’re there for them.”

Members of Corazon Caminante walk together. Many of them made friends with each other through the group.

The group has a couple hundred members, but each week between 25 and 50 of them hop on the trail together. Each week, they meet at a different location in the cities. Last Sunday, they met in Mendota Heights. Amirales said it’s been great culturally.

“Walking, community, health, relationships. Really just a connection with Latinos and feeling represented and belonging,” she said. 

Before each three-to six-mile walk, the group takes time to be thankful. Each member dedicates their walk to someone.

Silvia Zapata said it has been a positive experience both physically and mentally.

“We give everybody the opportunity to be a part of this community, and to become stronger, more independent as well,” Zapata said.

“Step to It” Sign Up

Some members of Corazon Caminante are also participating in the “Step to it Challenge” too.

The challenge, according to its website, is about motivating people to become more active after the long winter. All activities count, including cycling and your daily walks. People can join individually or in groups.

Communities and individuals are also eligible for prizes, including Minnesota Twins tickets. You can sign up on the “Step to it” website.

Maple Grove