Steps Team Challenge starts on January 15

The Mazars Steps Team Challenge is returning from 15 January to 11 February 2024, with companies, clubs and organisations invited to participate.

The challenge is open to teams of four who can choose to walk, or run, one of two virtual routes around Ireland to complete the challenge. The routes include:

•    A four-province route where, with an average of 10,000 steps a day, participants will walk through all four provinces of Ireland.

•    A 32-county route where participants will need to average 16,000 steps per day to journey across all 32 counties.

To take part, teams can register on the Mazars 2024 Steps Team Challenge website.

Once registered, teams can download the challenge app, which connects to participants’ phones or fitness devices, to track progress. This allows individuals to monitor their position on the virtual route and track their team’s progress on leaderboards.

Mazars said there are €15,000 worth of prizes to be won, including weekly giveaways to keep everyone motivated along the way and end-of-challenge prizes for both routes.

Prizes include overnight stays for two in InterContinental Dublin with dinner, Fitbit devices, premium tickets for Bruce Springsteen at Croke Park and over €5,000 in gift cards.

Mazars managing partner Tom O’Brien said Feedback from companies and organisations that took part in the 2023 challenge was “incredibly positive”.

“It is a unique initiative that brings people closer together, whether working alongside your colleagues in the office or remotely. Increasingly companies and organisations are looking for meaningful ways to support employee wellbeing, and our Steps Team Challenge is a fantastic initiative in this regard.”

This year companies, clubs and societies can set up their own personal leagues within the challenge for competitive spirit amongst colleagues and friends.

Pictured at the launch were (l-r) Mazars Managing Partner, Tom O’Brien, Evanne Ní Chuilinn, author and RTÉ sports broadcaster and Rob Heffernan, five-time Olympic walker and former world champion. Pic: www.CorporatePhotographersDublin.ie

Rob Heffernan, five-time Olympic walker and former world champion, commented: “My advice is to set your goals, challenge yourself, and have a blast with your team. It's not about how far or how fast you go; it's about taking part.”

Mazars, as part of the challenge, is supporting Aware and the Irish Heart Foundation. Mazars said it will make a donation to both of these charities for every participant that registers for the challenge.

Photo: Mazars Managing Partner, Tom O’Brien, Evanne Ní Chuilinn, author and RTÉ sports broadcaster and Rob Heffernan