Blog

Wrapping Up the WALKtober Challenge!

by Lily Teran
November 14, 2025

WALKtober was a total win at Alamo Commutes. Our community really showed up and stepped out! People across the region laced up, logged in, and proved that walking isn’t just about getting from Point A to B — it’s a lifestyle. It’s how you stay active, cut down on emissions, and actually experience the city instead of just driving through it. Huge thanks to everyone who joined the challenge and tracked their walks in the Alamo Commutes app. You made WALKtober one for the books.

Together we:

• Recorded 1,924 walking trips
• Saved $1,783 in transportation costs
• Burned 280,030 calories

We’re also excited to highlight our four WALKtober winners, each receiving a $100 gift card for their dedication to sustainable commuting and healthy living. Here is what they had to say.

Meet Our Winners

Week 1 Winner: Rose Mary Hernandez

How has walking more impacted your day or routine?

Walking instead of driving this month was a challenge at first. Even with reminders to prepare ahead of time, it still took effort to adjust. I was tempted at times to take a vehicle or call a friend because of the heat, but overall, it helped me realize how being intentional and planning to walk to nearby businesses can make a big difference in my mental attitude and personal goals. Winning has motivated me even more to keep walking to nearby places whenever possible, without jeopardizing my physical health.

What’s your favorite place or route to walk in your area?

My favorite route is to my local YMCA and church, both about a mile away in the historic Olmos area.

Have you noticed any physical or mental health benefits from walking?

Mentally, walking clears my mind. It helps me think through issues and let them go — it’s like having a counseling session with myself. If you have the Holy Spirit, you have all the answers within. Physically, it makes me feel on top of the world. I have more energy for the day and don’t feel as tired. It’s better than an energy drink.

What do you enjoy most about the Alamo Commutes app?

I enjoy the community and the rewards I receive from using the Alamo Commutes app. It’s nice to see all the local sponsors that support something so important. Thank you, Alamo Commutes, for reminding San Antonians to travel efficiently, save money, and stay healthy.

Week 2 Winner: Pavitha Doss Duraiah

How has walking more impacted your day or routine?

I feel more energetic now. My pre-diabetic levels have reduced a lot.

What’s your favorite place or route to walk in your area?

I like walking to Walmart. I moved from India last year and do not have a car, so I walk almost everywhere or take the VIA bus.

Have you noticed any physical or mental health benefits from walking?

I lost about 10 pounds, and my pre-diabetic levels have improved significantly.

What do you enjoy most about the Alamo Commutes app?

It encourages me to walk and helps me keep track of my walking progress.

Week 3 Winner: Shannon Samples

How has walking more impacted your day or routine?

Walking has helped me fit in more workouts throughout my day.

What’s your favorite place or route to walk in your area?

My favorite places to walk are Hardberger Park and La Cantera.

Have you noticed any physical or mental health benefits from walking?

I’ve noticed many physical benefits, such as toning my legs and keeping my blood pressure low.

What do you enjoy most about the Alamo Commutes app?

My favorite part is the dashboard that displays monthly savings, gallons of gas saved, carbon emissions prevented, and miles not driven.

Week 4 Winner: Julian Bohorquez

How has walking more impacted your day or routine?

Walking has had a positive impact on my daily routine — I feel both happier and healthier because of it. It’s become a natural way to stay active, clear my mind, and add more balance to my day. I think the experience could be even better if San Antonio invested more in walkability, bike ability, and public transit. Simple improvements like planting more trees for shade, adding water stations, and creating more parks would make walking healthier, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone.

What’s your favorite place or route to walk in your area?

There are quite a few routes I enjoy, but one of my favorites is walking from my neighborhood to vibrant, mixed-use areas like Midtown, Dignowity Hill, and Southtown. I usually start on the East Side and make my way toward the Alamodome — not the most pedestrian-friendly stretch, but doable. From there, I head through Hemisfair and continue into Southtown. Along the way, I like to stop at Stranded for coffee, grab a slice at The Filling Station, and sometimes stop by Dakota Ice House on the way back.

Have you noticed any physical or mental health benefits from walking?

I sold my car recently, and at first, I was nervous about relying on walking and the bus, but it’s been easier than expected. I no longer deal with the stress of driving, car repairs, insurance, or the costs of owning a vehicle. I now average about 12,000 steps a day without setting aside extra time to exercise. It’s helped me burn more calories and stay active naturally. Mentally, I feel less stressed — walking and riding the bus give me time to slow down, read, or just enjoy the moment. With the money I’ve saved, I was able to get a YMCA membership, which adds even more variety to my fitness routine. I do wish the city were more pedestrian-friendly, but overall, walking and using public transit have been a huge boost for my physical health and peace of mind.

What do you enjoy most about the Alamo Commutes app?

I genuinely enjoy the statistical insights the app provides — it’s like a boost of motivation. Since selling my car, I’ve come to appreciate the freedom and simplicity of walking and taking the bus. The app keeps me inspired and shows how small lifestyle changes can add up. In just a few months, I’ve saved approximately $3,552, avoided using 226 gallons of gas, burned 89,571 calories, prevented 2.2 tons of CO₂ emissions (equivalent to planting 88 trees), and skipped driving 5,075 miles. It’s empowering to see that kind of impact and feel healthier, more connected, and proud of the choices I’m making.

Keep on Walking

Even though WALKtober has wrapped up, your walking journey doesn’t have to stop here. Every trip to work, school, park, library or local errand can help save money, improve air quality, and keep our community healthy and connected.

Continue tracking your trips in the Alamo Commutes app to earn rewards, stay active, and make a difference year-round.

Tag us in your commute photos using @alamocommutes to show how you’re staying on the move.