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Walktober

Walktober is a challenge held each October to celebrate International Walk to School Month, when school communities are asked to walk/wheel as much as possible to and from school or work. In Southampton, Walktober has been run annually by Southampton City Council's Sustainable Transport Team since 2016. 

Walktober 2021 saw 148 schools and settings in Southampton sign up, meaning a staggering 44,469 pupils and 6,154 staff got involved. This year we hope even more schools and settings will Step Up to the challenge. 

The challenge

For 2022 we are encouraging all early years settings, primary schools and secondary schools in Southampton to Step Up for Walktober.

By travelling actively throughout October your school community will be stepping up for our planet, our wellbeing and our community. Walking/wheeling, scooting and cycling reduces car use which will improve air quality, benefit health and wellbeing and have a positive impact on the local community by reducing congestion.

Registration and resources are free of charge and there are some fantastic prizes to be won by pupils and schools or settings who enter the Walktober competitions.

2022 Winners

We had an incredible number of entries to the Walktober 2022 challenge, and we're delighted to announce the winners are:

Pupils

  • St Johns Primary School – Rosie – Year 6
  • Sholing Junior School – Madeline – Year 4
  • Shirley Infant School – Torrin – Year R

Schools

  • Sholing Junior School
  • Bassett Green Primary

Registration

Registrations for Walktober 2022 are now closed.

Please email info@myjourneysouthampton.com if you have any questions about your registration. 

The competitions

Your Steps Count! - pupil competition

We are asking pupils to make a pledge and record their active travel using the Walktober Challenge Card to show how they are Stepping Up for Walktober. There are lots of actions they could include - walking/wheeling to school, scooting to the park, cycling to a local shop, using Park and Stride, taking a bus instead of the car on a day trip - these choices make a big difference!

At the end of Walktober parents/carers will be asked to submit their child's completed challenge card by Friday 11th November 2022 to be entered into a draw to win prizes including vouchers, days out, binoculars or microscopes.

Please scan or photograph your entries and send them to us via email at: info@myjourneysouthampton.com

Spread the Word! - school competition

We would like everyone to hear about how important active travel is and the benefits it brings.

We are asking participating schools and settings to promote Walktober to their school community by finding at least three opportunities to encourage pupils, families and staff to get involved. You can be as creative with your promotion as you like, but a checklist with suggestions and ideas will be provided when you register. 

Schools and settings meeting the criteria and who submit evidence of their promotional efforts by Friday 4th November 2022 will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a bird camera box or bird feeders. 

Please scan or photograph your entries and send them to us via email at: info@myjourneysouthampton.com. Please read the Travel Planning competition terms here.

The resources

All resources will be emailed out to registered schools and setting, and can also be found below to download.