Pony Challenge

10/09/2026

🚶 10,000 steps a day... Myth, Marketing or a Magic number?

Would you be surprised to learn that the goal started as a marketing idea, not a medical recommendation?

The 10,000-steps-a-day goal didn't come from medical research. It started as a Japanese pedometer marketing campaign in the 1960s!

The good news? Research shows you don't need 10,000 steps a day to see health benefits. Many benefits begin around 4,000-7,500 steps, and 7,000-8,000 steps is considered a strong daily goal for most people.

What's your daily step goal? Let Pony Challenge know below! 👇

10/06/2026

Where are you participating from for the 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim Challenge or the Buckle Up for the Challenge? Let us know your City and State!

10/04/2026

🐴 Already Registered for the 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim?
Don’t Miss the Add-Ons! 🐴
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/ChincoteagueIsland/100thponyswimrunwalkroll

If you've already signed up for the 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim Challenge Medal, be sure to go back and check out the exclusive merchandise and additional items available for purchase! Check out the attached pictures for a preview!

👉 Log in to RunSignUp and navigate to: RunSignUp > Profile > Race > Manage Registration > Scroll Down to "Add-Ons"

You'll find a variety of extra goodies to help celebrate this historic 101st Pony Swim event. Best of all, you can either: ✅ Pick up your items in Chincoteague ✅ Add shipping and have them mailed anywhere in the USA

🌟 Not registered yet? There's still time! 🌟

Fall is the perfect season to commit to being active before the holiday rush begins. Whether you're walking, running, or galloping or challenging yourself with a bigger distance, Pony Challenge has a fun way to stay motivated and get a jump start on your New Year's goals.

Feel good knowing that every registration makes a difference: ❤️ $5 from every registration goes directly to support the CHINCOTEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.(CVFC). ❤️ 100% of all donations support the dedicated Saltwater Cowboys and Cowgirls who work tirelessly every day, and even through challenges like the recent Nor'easter, to care for the ponies and protect the island we all love.

Join us in celebrating a historic tradition, supporting an incredible community, and making your miles count.

🐎 Register today, grab your add-ons, and be part of the 101st Pony Swim tradition!
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/ChincoteagueIsland/100thponyswimrunwalkroll

09/27/2026

Now is the perfect time to join the 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim Challenge and show your support to the CHINCOTEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. and Saltwater Cowboys and Cowgirls.
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/ChincoteagueIsland/100thponyswimrunwalkroll

The Saltwater Cowboys and Cowgirls and the CHINCOTEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. have been working tirelessly — from the demanding Fall Roundup to managing countless calls and keeping the community safe through the ongoing Nor’easter. Their dedication is exactly why this virtual challenge exists.

When you sign up, $5 from every registration and 100% of all donations go directly to support their year-round work caring for the ponies and protecting the island we love.

If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is a meaningful moment to step in. Your miles make a difference, and your participation helps the very people who make Chincoteague so special.

You receive an American Made commemorative medal depicting a mare and her foal encircled with the iconic Ferris Wheel, that can be shipped anywhere in the USA or picked up on Chincoteague.

Be part of the 101st Pony Swim Virtual Challenge and show your support for the Cowboys/Cowgirls and the CHINCOTEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.

09/25/2026

This year’s commemorative Buckle Up for the Challenge belt buckle is something truly special. The pony featured on the buckle is Snowdrop, a great-great-great granddaughter of Misty, carrying forward a legacy that means so much to so many.

This challenge was created to celebrate the heritage, history, and memories tied to this beloved place- Chincoteague Island . For countless families, visitors, and Misty pony fans, it represents moments worth honoring and preserving. The buckle is a custom designed limited edition collector’s piece for those who hold this heritage and Chincoteague Island close to their hearts.

Cherish your memories connected to this Island and own a piece of its history. Limited quantities available -this is your chance, before they are gone.
Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/ChincoteagueIsland/BuckleUpForTheChallenge
Run, Walk, Roll or Gallop your miles at your own pace, and claim a buckle that honors Snowdrop, Misty, and the legacy they represent.

09/22/2026

Today marks the 100 days count down for 2026, which makes it a perfect time to start a virtual challenge that keeps you motivated through the Fall, the busy holiday season, or even gives you a head start on your New Year’s goals.

If you’d like to stay active and support a great cause, consider joining the 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim Challenge.
$5 from every registration and 100% of all donations go directly to support the CHINCOTEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. and the year‑round work of caring for the ponies.

Sign up today: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/ChincoteagueIsland/100thponyswimrunwalkroll

A huge thank‑you to everyone who has already registered and donated — your support truly makes a difference!

Join the challenge, stay motivated, and help support the ponies and the CHINCOTEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.

Check out our other Challenges too at: https://ponychallenge.com/

The 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim - 5K - 10K -100K Virtual Challenge 2026 is on Saturday May 23, 2026 to Sunday January 31, 2027.

09/19/2026

Medal and belt buckle pick up/ sign up today, September 19 at the POW MIA Memorial Car Show at the Carnival grounds from 9-3pm! Come join us!

09/17/2026

🐴 BIG NEWS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S POW MIA Memorial Car Show -join the 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim Challenge at a great price!

https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/ChincoteagueIsland/100thponyswimrunwalkroll

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to jump in… this is it. We just lowered the price — right on time for this weekend’s event — making it easier than ever to stay active as autumn rolls in.

Fall is the season of fresh starts, cooler days, and building habits that carry you strong into the holidays. The 101st Chincoteague Pony Swim Challenge gives you the motivation, the community, and the momentum to keep moving.

Feel good knowing that 100% of donations and $5/registration supports the CHINCOTEAGUE VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. (CVFC)

🏅 And yes… you’ll earn the commemorative 101st Pony Swim medal and a fun UV sticker!

It’s not just a medal — it doubles as a holiday ornament, a beautiful reminder of the miles you crushed, the support you provided to the CVFC and the fun you had.

🍁 Lower price. Perfect weather. A challenge that keeps you active.
This weekend is the time to sign up!

🐴 Sign up now and make this Fall your strongest yet!

09/14/2026

Looking for something fun to do this Saturday, September 19th? Pony Challenge will be at the POW MIA Memorial Car Show!
Look for our table and come get your commemorative medals and belt buckles!
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/ChincoteagueIsland/100thponyswimrunwalkroll
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/ChincoteagueIsland/BuckleUpForTheChallenge

09/09/2026

🏅 September is Healthy Aging Month
— and your next medal can be the motivation you need!

As we head into Fall, it’s the perfect time to set a goal that keeps you moving, feeling strong, and aging well.

🐴 https://ponychallenge.com/ offers 3 virtual challenges, each with its own medal waiting for you at the finish. Pick the one that inspires you, log your miles, and let that medal be your accountability partner as you stay committed to your health this year — and as you age!

🐴 A small step today becomes a stronger you tomorrow.
Let’s keep moving!

Check it out here: https://ponychallenge.com/