The Million Step March reached Wilson on Thursday and made a stop at Omega Sports at Heritage Crossing.
Gary Marino, the spokesman and leader of the march, talked to local people and Barton students. He has trekked more than 400 miles of a 600-mile journey across the state that's targeting people to take steps toward healthier living.
"Since the Million Step March kicked off, I have met hundreds of people along the way and so many had compelling stories to share," said Marino, who has lost 150 pounds since 2004. "Many of us struggle with weight and related health issues. Our hope is to show that 30 minutes of exercise a day can have a dramatic impact on your health."
The march from Asheville to Wilmington is to promote the benefits of physical activity. The campaign kicked off in Asheville on April 1. Stops along the way include educational demonstrations. The 10-week trek ends in mid-June.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 58 percent of North Carolinians do not get the recommended levels of physical activity.
Thousands of North Carolinians have made positive physical activity steps on their own by signing up at the march's Web site -- www. BetterHealthNC.com -- and by logging their own physical activity. More than 5,600 people have logged more than 305 million steps on the site.
The initiative is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.