Vitality has teamed up with the RSPCA to launch the 2016 ‘Big Walkies' - to encourage dog owners and their pets to be active while raising money for animal welfare.
Four Big Walkies flagship events will take place in London (Crystal Palace and Alexandra Palace), Bournemouth and Cardiff in May 2016.
It will see an estimated 10,000 dog owners and 4,000 of their canine companions take part in the walking challenges.
The flagship events will be followed by 42 events spread across England and Wales to be launched from 1 June 2016.
Entrants and their dog can sign up to take part in either a 3km or 5km walk. All Big Walkies events are also open to people who don't have a dog but still want to get involved.
Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with the RSPCA to launch Big Walkies. A dog not only provides companionship for owners, but also makes them more active. Our research has found nearly three in five dog owners exercise more now they have a pet and many of our Vitality members have told us how important their dog is in helping them enjoy a healthier and more active life.
"Mounting evidence shows it's the small things that make a big difference to our long term health, whether it's a short walk or taking the stairs instead of the lift. Big Walkies provides a great opportunity to encourage the nation to take those first steps to a healthier lifestyle and help raise money for a fantastic cause at the same time."
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