News

St. Luke’s University Health Network has teamed with Musikfest’s parent non-profit ArtsQuest to add a Musikfest walking challenge to its popular Get Your Tail on the Trail program that encourages people of all ages and abilities to log 165 miles of activity through Nov. 7, 2022. Festival attendees can once again combine their enjoyment of music, food and other festivities while improving their health at this year’s Musikfest from Aug. 4-14.

Participants in the Walking Challenge are asked to log their miles walking from platz to platz under Bethlehem Southside or Bethlehem Northside. All activities are logged on the Get Your Tail on the Trail app or website. Log at least 10 miles at these locations during the 10-day festival and you will be automatically entered to win two front row tickets for next year’s Main Stage lineup at Musikfest.

“The Musikfest challenge was created to encourage physical activity while experiencing the excitement of Musikfest,” said Kathy Ramson, DNP, RN, Network Director Healthy Living Initiatives. Ramson said St. Luke’s was inspired to add the Musikfest challenge because many Musikfest volunteers participate in the 165-mile challenge and rack up miles during the festival. The goal of both challenges is to encourage healthy lifestyles and bring the community together, Ramson said.

Get Your Tail on the Trail activities include walking, running, biking, rolling, hiking, treadmilling, paddling, adventuring, and others – any activity done for more than 10 minutes at a time each day. The challenge is 165 miles because that’s the approximate length of the D&L Trail, which runs from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, Pa. While the program doesn't require participants to exercise exclusively on the 165-mile D&L Trail, it is a great centerpiece resource.

Participation in the 165-mile challenge and the Musikfest portion are free. Prizes are mailed to those who complete the 165-mile challenge once it is over. Previous prizes have included ponchos, backpacks, mobile telephone holders and more.

Participants need to download the app and register to be able to log their activities. The app is available at www.tailonthetrail.org. Participants also can follow @TailontheTrail and @NEPATailontheTrail on Facebook to stay motivated.

The Delaware &Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a co-sponsor of the Get Your Tail on the Trail challenge, now in its ninth year. Since the program was launched in 2013, over 12, 499 participants have logged more than 4,157, 368 miles.