Evolve Document Solutions’ virtual walking challenge has now reached Greece, marking the latest milestone in its symbolic 11,600-mile journey from Lancashire to Tokyo.
The challenge, undertaken by staff at Evolve’s headquarters in Bamber Bridge, near Preston, sees a team of eight logging daily steps to virtually traverse a route spanning Europe and Asia. Starting in Switzerland, the route has taken in Austria, Slovenia, and Serbia before arriving in northern Greece, with the next leg taking the team into Turkey.
The initiative is designed to promote physical activity and mental wellbeing, with each team member aiming for 10,000 steps per day. The total group target is 40 miles per day, with participants also able to include steps taken alongside friends and family. The route features cultural capitals including Zurich, Ljubljana, Belgrade and Thessaloniki, and is scheduled to finish in Tokyo before Christmas.
Here’s where we’ve been.
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Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is elegantly understated. Medieval alleys and Roman ruins blend seamlessly with modern boutiques and galleries. The Old Town, with its cobbled lanes, Grossmünster’s twin towers, and Lindenhof hill views, is a highlight. A walk along Lake Zurich, coffee on Bahnhofstrasse, or museum visit shows how effortlessly Zurich blends old and new.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is a charming, laid-back capital. The Ljubljanica river, flanked by pastel buildings, cafés, and market stalls, meanders through the center. Ljubljana Castle overlooks the city, which is known for its frequent festivals, from street theatre to open-air film nights.
Belgrade
Belgrade, where the Danube meets the Sava, proudly displays its history without being defined by it. Its skyline features church spires, fortresses, and socialist-era blocks. Kalemegdan Fortress offers river views, but the city’s energy thrives in streets like Knez Mihailova and Skadarlija, where café culture is a way of life. Belgrade comes alive at night.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki captivates with its sea breeze and ever-present history. Roman arches, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman hammams coexist with indie bookshops and souvlaki stands. The White Tower is iconic, but don’t miss the Rotunda or Ano Poli views. Aristotelous Square is the city’s vibrant hub. Thessaloniki is a lived-in, authentic, and lively city.
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Daniel Maddox, owner of Evolve Document Solutions, said: “Walking to Tokyo sounded mad at first – but that’s what made it fun. It’s a great way to get everyone moving, raise some smiles, and learn about the world as we go. As a Konica Minolta supplier we wanted to walk virtually to the head offices of the company whose products we know so well.”
Each stop on the route has been selected to highlight local culture, cuisine, and history. In Greece, the team’s route passes through Thessaloniki and northern regions known for their ancient monuments and Aegean coastline. The wider journey includes crossing the Alps, travelling through the Balkans, and entering Asia via Istanbul.
Updates from the walking challenge are being posted online at https://evolvedocumentsolutions.co.uk/race-to-the-rising-sun/ and across the company’s social media channels, with prizes offered at key points along the route.
ENDS
