Move with the Mayor® Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge

Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) is a nationwide initiative encouraging mayors to lead by example and promote physical activity in their communities. In response to the loneliness epidemic, MWTM has expanded its program to include mental health awareness and support.

Get moving with your mayor this spring

Getting active with your community is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Find a free event near you, download the activity tracker, and be part of a growing national movement.

Move with the Mayor® Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge

This May, mayors across the country are inviting residents to get active, stay connected, and support their mental health — all as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The challenge is simple: move your body, connect with others, and track your progress.

Activities can be anything that gets you moving and connects you with people around you, including:

  • Community events hosted by your mayor
  • Group fitness classes
  • Walks with friends or family
  • Volunteering in your neighborhood

Every social or physical activity counts.

 

2026 Challenge dates:

May 1-31

(Mental Health Awareness Month)

Resources

 

People who stay active have a 12–34% lower risk of depression and anxiety.


Source: Sports Medicine

 

Loneliness and social isolation affect about 1 in 4 older adults, and group activities are one of the most effective ways to address it.

 

Moderate or high physical activity can reduce rates of loneliness and social isolation by 15–30%.


Sources: Geriatric Nursing,

Ready to join the challenge?

1

Find an event near you.

Check the calendar below for Move with the Mayor® events. Don’t see your city listed? Contact us, and we’ll help get your community involved.

2

Download the tracker.

Log every 30 minutes of social or physical activity throughout the month using the free tracker.

3

Share your progress!

Post your activities on social media using #MoveWithTheMayor and #ConnectMoveThrive.

Find a Move with the Mayor® event near you

2026 Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge events calendar

May 1-31 – Manor TX – Move with the Mayor®

May 2 – Eat Right Atlanta Farmers Market – Jonesboro, GA

May 4 – Perfect Lines Line Dancing – Glenn Heighs, TX 

May 5 – Neighborhood Challenge – Laredo, TX

May 9 – Walk on the Horney Greenway – Beech Grove, IN

May 9 – Boots on the Lawn – Stockbridge, GA

May 9 – Community walk – Louisville, MS

May 12 – Community walk – Laredo, TX

May 14 – Beginners X-Treme Hip-Hop Step – Michigan City, IN

May 15 – Bike to Work Day – Carmel, IN

May 15 – Bike to Work Day – Carrboro, NC

May 16 – Pure Barre pop-up fitness class – Carmel, IN

May 16 – Inaugural RUNderful 5K – Glenn Heights, TX

May 16 – Basketball Game – Stockbridge, GA

May 19 – Walk with the Mayor – Laredo, TX

May 20 – Community Health Fair + 2nd Annual Teddy Bear Hospital – Glenn Heights, TX

May 21 – Walk with the Mayor – Lorain, OH

May 21 – FIT With BRI – Michigan City, IN

May 21 – Community wellness event – Michigan City, IN

May 22 – Community walk – Columbia, SC

May 23 – Community wellness event – Broadview, IL

May 23 – Community Walk – Louisville, MS

May 23 – Community Bike Ride – Glendale Heights, IL

May 23 – Cycling event – Glenn Heights, TX

May 23 – Mental Health Symposium – Glenn Heights, TX

May 23 – Walk & Talk with Mayor Harvey – Manor, TX

May 23 – City Unity Walk – Stockbridge, GA

May 28 – Zumba® – Michigan City, IN

May 26 – Community walk – Laredo, TX

May 27 – Med City Marathon – Kids Run

May 29 – Walk with the Mayor – Carmel, IN

May 30 – Outdoor Mat Class with Club Pilates Laurel

May 30 – Doing Good in the Wood – Maywood, IL

May 30 – Stroll w/ the Mayor – Upper Darby, PA

June 2 – Community walk – Laredo, TX

June 5 – Health Fair Block Party – Laredo, TX

June 6 – Walk with Mayor Katrina Thompson – Broadview, IL 

June 6 – Community wellness event – Jonesboro, GA 

June 7 – Bike with Mayor Katrina Thompson – Broadview, IL

June 7 – Move to the Market (MLK Park) – Rochester, MN

June 8 – Play Ball Camp – Rochester, MN

June 9 – Move to the Market (Cascade Lake Park) – Rochester, MN

June 10 – Walk with the Mayor – Lorain, OH

June 11 – Temple Total Fitness – Michigan City, IN

June 13 – Walk with Mayor Katrina Thompson – Broadview, IL 

June 13 – Cycle w/ the Mayor – Upper Darby, PA

June 18 – Walk with the Mayor – Lorain, OH

June 19 – Line Dance-Kickin’ It – Michigan City, IN

June 20 – Walk with Mayor Katrina Thompson – Broadview, IL 

June 20 – Community event – Buffalo, NY

June 27 – Walk with Mayor Katrina Thompson – Broadview, IL 

June 27 – American 250 Youth Bike Ride – Rochester, MN

June 30 – Full Moon Bike Ride – Brighton, CO

FAQ

What is Move with the Mayor®?

Move with the Mayor® is a national initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention. It encourages mayors and local leaders to promote physical activity, social connection, and mental well-being in their communities. More than 200 cities across the country have participated.

What is the Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge?

The Spring Challenge runs throughout May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Participating mayors host free community events and encourage residents to get active and stay connected. Research shows that regular physical activity and strong social connections can significantly improve mental health.

Is this free?

Yes. Unless noted in the event listing, Move with the Mayor® events are free and open to the public.

Do I need to sign up to participate?

No registration is required to participate unless otherwise noted in the event listing. Just show up to an event in your city or start tracking your own activity using the free tracker.

What if there are no events in my city?

You can still participate. Download the tracker and log any social or physical activity throughout May. If you’d like to see a Move with the Mayor® event in your community, fill out the contact form below.

What activities count?

Any social or physical activity counts — from group fitness classes and community walks to playing outside with your kids or volunteering for a community project. Fill in one circle on the tracker for every 30 minutes of activity.

How do I share my progress?

Post your activities on social media using #MoveWithTheMayor and #ConnectMoveThrive. Tag your mayor and your city so they can cheer you on.

I'm a mayor or city staff member. How do I get involved?

Visit natforum.org/connect-with-mwtm to learn more about the Move with the Mayor® initiative and how your city can participate.

Contact us

Don’t see your city? Let us know.

Name(Required)

Share the movement

Help spread the word in your community. Share this page with friends, family, and neighbors — and tag your mayor when you post.

Hashtags: #MoveWithTheMayor #ConnectMoveThrive

Move with the Mayor® is made possible by funding from the:

APHACDC

In partnership with the: