It's Hike-a-Thon Time!

Lace up your boots. It's time for Hike-a-Thon!

Washington Trails Association's annual fundraising event - going on its eighth great year - is a great way for you to support trails while doing the hiking you were going to do anyway. Last year’s 118 Hike-a-Thoners raised more than $60,000 for Washington Trails Association!

It's the easiest and most fun fundraiser you'll ever do. Simply ask your friends and family to support your hiking during the month of August. They can sponsor you by the mile or just pledge a specific amount. Then go out and hike! You can read all about what Hike-a-Thon is here.

Registration is simple. Follow this link, and from there you’ll be able to create your own webpage to support your fundraising efforts. Then start planning your August hikes (perhaps some will even be snow-free by then too). You’ll be supporting trails and earning prizes before you even know it!

Hike-a-Thoners are also eligible for lots of great prizes. What prizes, you ask? How about a new Mountain Hardwear Lightpath 3 tent? Or maybe you’ll win one from Hilleberg the Tentmaker. Check out all the prizes up for grabs here. And we're still adding more.

Besides raising much needed funds for trails and winning great gear, many returning participants have other goals in mind.

"While it is easy to get motivated to hike in August, I find I am even more motivated to get to trails I've never hiked before because of Hike-a-Thon.  A goal of mine for my third Hike-a-Thon is to hike only areas I've never seen." - Adam Orrick, Shelton

"An injured leg has kept me from running, my usual activity, but I can still hike! I’m planning to hike more new, unknown trails this year for Hike-a-Thon, giving me the opportunity to raise funds for an awesome organization while doing what I love to do anyway." - Liz Ulloa, Seattle

"Hiking is still a new adventure for my three kids. This year I'm looking
forward to expanding their hiking experiences with a Hike-a-Thon goal of hiking every weekend, including a trip to the Ape Caves!" - Jessica Guthrie, Edmonds

"After missing Hike-a-Thon 2010 due to injury, I'm hoping to make up for lost time this year! I love Hike-a-Thon because it's such an efficient use of time. Get in shape, have fun in the outdoors, and support WTA all at once!" - Kate Neville, Seattle

Whether inspiration, rehabilitation, exploration or just because you want to multi-task, there’s a reason for everyone to Hike-a-Thon. Why don’t you register today?