Here's a new take on the city's celebration of its sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary this year.

Boise Mayor Dave Bieter is issuing a challenge for Boise residents to walk 150 miles in 2013 in honor of the city’s sesquicentennial celebration.

Bieter will kick off “Walk 150” at 11:30 a.m., Thursday Jan. 24 at Whitney Elementary School, 1609 S. Owyhee.

Officials, including Boise School District Superintendent Don Coberly and representatives from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Let’s Move Boise and the Boise Parks & Recreation Department will join him.

After unveiling the year-long program, the Mayor will lead Whitney students on a walk around the school grounds. The goal is to encourage citizens of all ages to improve their health by walking at neighborhood schools, parks and businesses throughout the city.