Oboz Footwear and the 52 Hike Challenge launch Over 50 Outside into Year 3

February 26, 2024

Program for women over 50 expands community in 2024 with unlimited memberships.

Bozeman, Mont. (February 26, 2024) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Over 50 Outside, a program created in 2021 to inspire women over the age of 50 to take to the trails and build upon their health, fitness, confidence, and well-being, has opened registration for the 2024 season. The 2024 program, which runs from March 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025, is open to anyone over the age of 50 who identifies as a woman. Those interested can register now and for the duration of the program at https://www.52hikechallenge.com/pages/over-50-outside.

“Over 50 Outside began very organically and we’ve been amazed and inspired by how popular and fulfilling the program has been,” said Amy Beck, Oboz president. “This platform has brought so many women together to share in the outdoors and this year we hope to bring even more women over 50 out on the trail with us.”

Previously, the program was limited to 150 participants, but to form a larger, more inclusive community, this year the program numbers will not be limited. Even with the anticipated larger group, the program will retain many of the elements that made it so popular, including monthly virtual educational meetings, a private Facebook group, mentorships, and an end of season retreat.

“What a powerful connection to self, nature and others Over 50 Outside has provided for me,” said Ann, a 2023 Over 50 Outside participant. “Thank you for having the COURAGE to enCOURAGE others. Thank you for inspiring each of us to embrace our own journey, and to indeed participate in our own journey.”

All participants in Over 50 Outside are granted access to a private Facebook group, where members can seek advice from the group, arrange group hikes, and share their experiences.

Each month, Over 50 Outside hosts live virtual educational meetings where participants check-in with each other and receive inspiration and gear and hiking tips from special guests and mentors. The mentors comprise of past Over 50 Outside participants who help motivate the group through weekly social engagements, hosted hikes, and the virtual sessions.

Throughout the year participants will have access to fun perks from Oboz and other partners. The 52 Hike Challenge is giving away its Ultimate Package to 50 participants who register before March 1, and each month, a participant will be drawn at random to win a pair (1x) of Oboz Footwear.

Each fall Over 50 Outside has hosted a retreat at Hyalite Canyon in Oboz’s hometown of Bozeman, MT, where attendees participate in group hikes, test new gear, share their experiences, and meet many of the other participants whom they’ve only known online in person. Plans for a 2024 retreat are in development and will be announced in the coming months.

In 2023, participants completed over 1,875 hikes covering over 8,500 miles. 90% of participants felt that their hiking ability improved to that of a seasoned or advanced hiker by the end of the program, with 94% of participants crediting the program for inspiring them to continue hiking regularly going forward.

For more information, visit 52hikechallenge.com and follow #over50outside on social media.

About 52 Hike Challenge

The 52 Hike Challenge is a global movement empowering individuals to take a personal journey to discover the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional benefits gained through hiking once a week for a year. Thousands of people all around the world are joining in community and taking the challenge to help change their lives in a positive way, one step at a time. For more information visit www.52HikeChallenge.com.

About Oboz Footwear

Founded in 2007, Oboz Footwear builds ‘True to the Trail®’ outdoor footwear inspired by the vast 18-million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem surrounding the company’s Bozeman, Montana home. This rugged wilderness inspires Oboz to build shoes and boots that deliver unmatched fit, unrivaled feel and exceptional performance on any trail, anywhere. Oboz is a certified B Corp and to date, has planted over 5 million trees as part of its program to plant a tree for every pair of shoes sold. For more information, visit obozfootwear.com.