For nearly two decades, Buckeyes everywhere have been stepping up together.
What began in 2008 as a spirited walking challenge tied to Ohio State football has grown into a fall tradition connecting thousands of faculty, staff and enrolled spouses. Through the Hit the Road with the Buckeyes challenge, participants form teams, log daily movement and virtually travel alongside the football team to Big Ten away game destinations throughout the season.
This fall marks the 17th annual edition of the challenge—bringing back the friendly competition, team camaraderie and shared purpose that keeps colleagues moving year after year.
Ready to get in the game?
Important dates and next steps
- Pre-registration opens: Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
- Challenge begins: Monday, Sept. 28, 2026
- Challenge ends: Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026
Get ready to hit the road
- Already have an account? Log in to the YP4H portal to prepare for pre-registration on Monday, Sept. 14.
- New to YP4H? Set up your new platform account today so you are ready to form your team.
Challenge details and incentives
- Team structure: Teams of up to 10 participants
- Weekly drawings: Four weekly winners selected for $25 gift card
- Grand prize drawing: Teams who reach all virtual destinations will be entered into a drawing where three teams will win a $50 gift card for each team member
- YP4H points: Earn points towards your 2027 Benefit Credit, HRA Funds or Rewards Bucks
Whether you are returning with a long-standing team or joining for the very first time, this fall is your opportunity to move, connect and hit the road with fellow Buckeyes. Get your team together and get in the game!
A tradition that keeps evolving
Over the past 17 years, the Hit the Road with the Buckeyes challenge has evolved alongside the technology used to stay active.
In the early days, participants recorded activity manually on paper logs or shared spreadsheets before wearable devices and digital portals simplified the tracking process. This year, participants will experience a new iteration of the challenge through the YP4H portal, powered by MediKeeper.
While technology has changed over time, the heart of the experience remains the same: rallying a team, building daily movement habits, following the Buckeyes and reaching new destinations together.
From the beginning: 17 years of motivation
For Joy Bodner, office services coordinator, Ohio State University Extension, Guernsey County, participating in Hit the Road with the Buckeyes has been a fall highlight since day one.
“The competition provides great incentive to get me out there and walk. It is amazing how many steps we can log as a team, and even more amazing how many steps we log as a university of teams.”
“I have participated in Hit the Road with the Buckeyes since the beginning—I have the t-shirts to prove it!” Joy shared. “Each year I create a team and encourage all the members to keep walking and tracking their steps. The competition provides great incentive to get me out there and walk. It is amazing how many steps we can log as a team, and even more amazing how many steps we log as a university of teams.”
Beyond the physical health benefits, Joy enjoys tracking team standings, engaging in weekly trivia and exploring destination profiles along the route.
Joy Bodner with some of her Hit the Road t-shirts on display
More than steps: Connection across campuses
For many participants, the eight-week challenge serves as a bridge to connect with colleagues across departments and locations.
“We participate in most of the challenges throughout the year, but Hit the Road is always a favorite. The challenge allows us to reconnect and share some steps and good times together.”
Alaina Niebauer, program coordinator, Ohio State University Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences, Wood County, joined the challenge in 2009 after hearing colleagues talk about the excitement of the inaugural year. She was hooked immediately.
“My team became known as the Campbell Hall Camels,” Alaina explained. “We aren’t even located in Campbell Hall anymore, and a lot of my teammates have moved on to other departments, but the team decides each challenge that they still want to be the Camels—I think we’ll be Camels for life! We participate in most of the challenges throughout the year, but Hit the Road is always a favorite. The challenge allows us to reconnect and share some steps and good times together.”
Reflecting on how tracking has simplified over time, Alaina noted the ease of digital tools compared to earlier years.
“I remember tracking different activities on that giant spreadsheet before the days of easy online input,” she shared. “I much prefer digital tracking now! I love making it to all the destinations and seeing how many steps I was able to contribute. While I’m not a huge football fan, I always know who we are playing based on the destinations we hit.”
The Campbell Hall Camels. Left to right is Richard Wofford, Sarah Beaumont, Sydney Angle and Alaina Niebauer.
Thousands of Buckeyes on the move
The Hit the Road with the Buckeyes challenge continues to be one of the university’s most popular wellness initiatives, drawing over 7,000 participants in 2019 and nearly 6,300 in 2025.
From extension offices and medical centers to academic departments and regional campuses, participants come together each fall through a shared commitment to movement, wellness and friendly competition.