Hundreds of Stanford employees gathered at Roble field yesterday for the Cardinal Walk, a one-and-a-half mile stroll around campus. The event kicked off the 10-week “Stepping Out with Stanford” walking program, which aims to promote wellness by increasing physical activity.

Cardinal Walk organizers handed out free pedometers to all walkers, many of whom wore white t-shirts that read, “Residential and Dining Services: commitment to wellness.” Event staff estimated that they handed out at least 700 pedometers, which they hope participants will use to increase daily physical activity gradually.

Provost John Etchemendy Ph.D. ‘82 addressed the crowd, wearing a white t-shirt and clutching a water bottle.

“I want to make sure we have the happiest and healthiest employees in the country,” he said.

He encouraged employees to take advantage of campus fitness centers, likening working for Stanford to joining a country club in terms of access to world-class facilities. He urged everyone to find an exercise partner and to sign up for the Stepping Out program.

“We want to involve the whole campus in improving our health,” Etchemendy said.

As Arrillaga Family Recreation Center Manager Eric Stein talked, event organizers gave out apples and opened crates of water bottles. Fitness instructor Andre Bobo led warm-up exercises and leg stretches to the tune of “Ridin’ Dirty.”

“Adding 10,000 steps per day can add eight years to your life,” said Stein, who gave some last-minute advice to participants before starting the walk.

“Let this be day one of a program you’ll go after for a lifetime,” he said.

Stepping Out with Stanford is sponsored by the Stanford Health Improvement Program and Stanford Athletics. Participants can register online for the program, which includes a step journal, weekly emails from a step coach and access to the Stepping Out website, where participants can chart their progress.