The annual community walking challenge Homer Steps Up came to a close at the end of May. Participants spent the month tracking steps with their smartphone, fitness trackers or pedometers to win prizes and encourage healthy movement.

This year’s winning team was The Cutting Edge Crew, composed of Jonathon Bloch, Maria Bloch, Nathan Kincaid, Misty Kincaid and Nicole Reynolds. The group had 3,608,558 total steps during the challenge, with an average of 721,711. They chose to donate their $500 win to Homer Little League.

The Sweaty Betty’s placed second this year after three years of consecutive, first-place wins in 2024, 2023 and 2022. The group had an average of 579,392 steps in 2025, with 3,476,352 total. The team was composed of Devan Estep, Lila Johnson, Jen Liston-Bouman, Juley Kalugin, Theresa Halpin and Melinda Erickson. They donated their $300 winnings to Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection.

Third place went to Sore Soles / Code Blue, with Russell Kuipers, Lindsay Babcock-Kuipers, Brooke Broderick, Preston Simmons, Jill Simmons, Emily Sloth and Julie Nicholes clocking 3,552,851 steps with an average of 507,550. Their $100 prize was donated to the local Haven House.

According to the Homer Steps Up website, the total number of steps walked by participants in the challenge was the equivalent of walking around the Earth, three times. Forty walkers won $50 in Homer Bucks and an “Extra Tough” days winner received fleece-lined XTRATUF® boots.

The event is a creation of South Peninsula Hospital, with support from the SPH Foundation, SVT Health & Wellness, South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services, SPARC, and the City of Homer.

Team “Sore Soles / Code Blue” takes third place in this year’s Homer Steps Up walking challenge during the celebration on June 5, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by South Peninsula Hospital