Homer Steps Up walking challenge finished the annual community spring event with 665 individual participants in 70 total teams, all an increase over last year’s participation with a combined step total of 165,129,433 steps, according to a South Peninsula Hospital Press Release.

This is the seventh year of the challenge, which is coordinated by South Peninsula Hospital with several other community partners including SVT Health and Wellness, South Peninsula Behavioral Health, the City of Homer, SPARC and the Homer Chamber of Commerce. Each year of the event has seen increased participation from community members, according to the Homer Steps Up website.

The winning team for the second year in a row is the Sweaty Bettys. Team members include Jen Liston, Theresa Halpin, Samantha Keely, Mary Liston, Cindy Llenos, Juley Kalugin, Lila Johnson and Melinda Erickson. The press release states they will donate their charity award to Homer Little League.

The second-place team was The Blue Mile with their prize donation going to the Christian Community Church. The third-place team was the Water Willies, with its donation going to Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park.