The Erie Walks initiative has returned to get people in the city and county out walking and exercising again after the long winter.

The kickoff for the eight-week program started Monday at Gannon University's Rec Center, then many who signed up took a victory lap around the block.

Erie Walks is a fitness campaign and competition where teams sign up and agree to document that they are walking or doing some form of aerobic exercise for 30 minutes per day.

The number of participants grows every year.

"It's a physical activity competition," said Laura Luther, public health educator for the Erie County Health Department. "It really counts your overall total number of days that you're active, so we're trying to engage our downtown employers and others throughout the county to participate in this walking program. We have over 700 employees this year participating."

The Erie County government team is hoping to defend its title.

"The last two years Erie County has won the trophy, and we're pretty proud of that," said Gary Lee, Erie County Director of Administration. "We're looking to winning it again this year."

Studies show just 30 minutes of walking each day can help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, the risk of type 2 diabetes and help with your mood and the management of your weight.