Team GECOM from GECOM Corporation won first place in Health Action Council’s 2026 Spring Step It Up Challenge. The team, consisting of Kathryn Evans, Michelle Colley, and Susan Maze averaged 890,963 total steps. As the Grand Prize winners, Team GECOM received: a healthy lunch up to $350 and a $300 donation in their name to either a local school garden project or Ronald McDonald House Charity.
Overall, the challenge engaged 836 participants across 88 teams, with a total step count of 156,173,792 and individual step average of 6,672. Teams achieved the collective step goal, unlocking $500 donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville. The theme was adventure destinations, complete with mountains, rainforests, beaches, deserts, beaches, and cityscapes. The challenge presented participants with a variety of mini challenges that encouraged physical activity, healthy habits, stress relief, and fun, all while reinforcing that fitness is not a single achievement, but an ongoing journey.
“What makes Step It Up so exciting is the fact that it makes everyone a winner, so matter how many steps they took,” said Patty Starr, President & CEO of Health Action Council. “While our top teams took home the biggest prizes, every participant built strong, healthy habits and furthered their fitness goals.”
Team LINQ Code Runners from LINQ finished second place, with a team made up of Ken Nunez, Jack Harris, Donny Napolitano, and Mark Anderson. The team averaged 605,914 total steps and won a healthy lunch up to $150 and a $200 donation in their name to either a local school garden project or Ronald McDonald House Charity.
Third place winners were LINQ – Cirque Du Sore Legs from LINQ, which included team members Tiffany Apple, Lindsay Terry, Kelly Wiley, Camille Walker, and Steph Murray. The team averaged 598,208 total steps and won Step It Up wellness gear.
“On top of encouraging healthy habits, Step It Up also builds great team chemistry among employees,” said Starr. “Every season we’re blown away by the turnout and the step totals, and this Spring was no exception. We’re even more excited for our next challenge.”
Three individuals from the Top 15 Steppers were entered in a drawing and randomly selected to win a new Fitbit Charge 5.
- Kathryn Evans from GECOM with1,243,980 total steps.
- Marissa Barbaro from HitachiInspire the Steps with 910,065 total steps.
- Jason Farmer from HSO Power Stepperswith 647,858 total steps.
The Mini Challenge winners were:
March 31 (Base Camp Balance): DeShawn Weidner, Dayton Children’s Hospital – $20 Starbucks gift card
April 2 (Rainforest Recharge): Dan Reese, LINQ – Strength Training Kettlebell 4-Piece Weight Set
April 6 (Spring Meadow Escape): Cynthia Wilson, OCLC – $25 Amazon gift card
April 8 (Mountain Momentum): Michelle Colley, GECOM – Gaiam 6mm Yoga/Fitness Mat
April 10 (Ocean Tidal Flow): Evelyn J. Anderson, Cuyahoga Community College – $25 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card
April 14 (Desert Trek): Victoria Gregory, HSO – Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
April 16 (Arctic Expedition): Stevie Kolias, Advantage Dental – $20 Starbucks gift card
April 20 (Volcano Venture): June Han, Cincinnati Metro: Go Wellness – 2-in-1 Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser & Himalayan Salt Lamp
April 22 (Ocean Floor Dive): Dreama Knight, Ashland University – Set of sea turtle wine glasses
April 24 (Urban Odyssey): Heidi Beane, Energizer – $20 Starbucks gift card
Build a Healthier Workforce This Summer. Gear up for our 2026 Summer Step It Up Challenge running from June 15 to July 12, 2026. Register today!
For additional questions, please contact Noelle Reinhart Bis at [email protected].
About Health Action Council
Health Action Council is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization representing mid and large-size employers that enhances human and economic health through thought leadership, innovative services, and collaboration. It provides value to its members by facilitating projects that improve the quality and moderate the cost of healthcare purchased by its members for their employees, dependents, and retirees.
Health Action Council also collaborates with key stakeholders - health plans, physicians, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry - to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare in the community.