Officials in Arvada and Westminster, Colo., took more than 16.5 million steps toward wellness in a competition to raise awareness about the need to stay active and healthy. Between April 16 and July 31, the cities' council members, city managers and deputy city managers wore pedometers to track their every step, and Arvada won by 392,542 steps.

The inspiration for the competition came from the mission of the Metro Denver Health and Wellness Commission, a group of 60 representatives from various Denver area organizations, to promote increased activity among area residents. “We want all of our citizens to know that it really isn't that difficult to get more active,” Arvada Mayor Ken Fellman said in a statement.

Fellman said the competition could serve as a reminder that little activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and taking a short walk after dinner, can “add up to a healthier and more vibrant community.”