An eight-week program that aims to get Kansans in shape begins soon.

It’s called Walk Kansas and is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension. Residents are encouraged to form teams of six and walk a total of 423 miles, or the width of Kansas, between March 8 and May 2.

Participants are encouraged to get 150 minutes of exercise each week and to tally their consumption of fruits and whole grains.

The enrollment cost of $7 covers registration and program materials, which include health tips and recipes.

Last year, 750 Douglas County residents participated.

For more information or to enroll, call Douglas County extension office at 843-7058 or visit its Web site at douglas.ksu.edu.