Step Up for Russ is a virtual steps challenge that invites participants of all ages and fitness levels to walk, run or stroll with purpose. Join our Step Up for Russ team and help us get there together! Log your steps on RunSignUp, track your progress along our virtual route, and help us reach the finish line together.

Over the course of the challenge, participants will log steps as we collectively “travel” 1,550 miles (3,100,000 steps) from Pompton Lakes, New Jersey to Rowlett, Texas. Along the way, we’ll unlock milestone markers and celebrate the impact we’re making together. Whether you walk a little or a lot, every step moves us closer to the finish line together—one step at a time.

✔ Walk on your own schedule
✔ Track steps
✔ Fundraise individually or as a team
✔ Celebrate progress with milestones

Every step you take helps raise awareness and funds for the Russell Bavelaar Heart Foundation.

If you are unable to participate, please consider making a donation. Every $5 can be used to sponsor 2,000 steps (1 mile) and help us get closer to our end goal of 3,100,000 steps (1550 miles).

Registration fee: $25.00

STEP UP FOR RUSS
Virtual Walking Challenge
Pompton Lakes, NJ ➝ Rowlett, TX
Total Distance: 1,550 Miles
One Step at a Time
🗺 THE ROUTE 

📊 PROGRESS TRACKER 
2,000 steps = 1 mile
Every step makes a difference

🏁 START
Pompton Lakes, NJ — 0 Miles
 ⭐ Revolutionary-era ironworks supported America’s earliest fight for freedom.
 ⬜ First Step
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📍 Philadelphia, PA — 100 Miles (200,000 Steps)
🏛 Birthplace of American Democracy
 Declaration of Independence • Constitution • Liberty Bell
 ⬜ Find Your Stride
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📍 Columbus, OH — 500 Miles (1,000,000 Steps)
🚂 Gateway of Westward Expansion
 Connecting the East to the growing Midwest
 ⬜ Momentum Builder
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🌉 St. Louis, MO — 900 Miles (HALFWAY) (1,800,000 Steps)
🗽 Gateway to the West
 Symbol of courage, exploration, and new beginnings
 ⬜ Halfway Strong
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🌾 Oklahoma City, OK — 1,200 Miles (2,400,000 Steps)
📜 Land Run of 1889
 Perseverance, resilience, and determination
 ⬜ Push Through
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⭐ Dallas, TX — 1,400 Miles (2,800,000 Steps)
🏙 Rise of Modern Texas
 Growth, leadership, and innovation
 ⬜ Almost There
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🏁 FINISH
Rowlett, TX — 1,550 Miles (3,100,000 Steps)
 🤝 Community & Connection
 Where journeys come together
 ⬜ Step Up Champion