‘Every step counts’: Silver Chain Challenge returns to Lanark County to promote outdoor activity this summer

Residents across Lanark County are once again encouraged to lace up their running shoes, hop on their bikes or hike local trails as the Silver Chain Challenge returns for another round of friendly competition and outdoor activity next month.

The annual challenge invites participants from Lanark and Renfrew Counties to log the kilometres they walk, run or cycle throughout the month until June 30, 2026. At the end of the month, the county that records the highest cumulative total distance will earn another year of community bragging rights.

According to Lanark County, the Silver Chain Challenge has been a staple event in the outdoor community for more than a decade. The idea was originally inspired by Jeff Mills, a Mississippi Mills resident and avid cyclist who wanted to promote active and eco-friendly transportation through a friendly competition with Renfrew County.

“From there, it evolved into a broader initiative that encourages people to get outside and explore their communities while adding more movement to their daily routines,” said Warden Richard Kidd (Reeve of the Township of Beckwith). “Lanark County has an incredible trails network, and the Challenge is way to promote and take advantage of that.

The initiative is open to residents and visitors of all ages and activity levels. Whether participants are taking short neighbourhood walks, training for fitness goals or exploring local cycling routes with family and friends, there is an option for everyone.

“Being active and spending time outdoors supports both physical and mental wellbeing, but it also helps strengthen our sense of community,” Kidd told Lanarkist. “Challenges like this bring people together and highlight the many ways residents can stay active that are accessible to everyone.

“You do not need to be an athlete to take part,” he added. “The goal is simply to get moving in a way that works for you.”

Kidd detailed that in previous years, participants told him that once they got started, they felt motivated to keep going and kick off their summer on the right foot.

“Even small steps matter. A short walk or bike ride counts. Those small efforts can add up quickly and create a multiplying effect over time,” Kidd told Lanarkist.

According to Lanark County, participants can begin tracking their kilometres through the challenge website on June 1. At the end of the challenge, the Lanark County participant who logs the most kilometres during the month will receive a $250 gift card to Joe Mamma Cycles.

Participants who log their distances or share photos from their adventures on social media using the hashtags #SilverChainChallenge and #LanarkCounty will also be entered into draws for additional prizes, including a bicycle tune-up from Joe Mamma Cycles and merchandise from Lanark County.