TU Dublin Walktober Leaderboard 2026
The Transport for Ireland (TFI) Walktober 2026 Step Challenge has officially come to a close, and TU Dublin is delighted to announce the winners of our internal leaderboard.
Before celebrating our own achievements, we extend our congratulations to the national champions: 'The Proclaimers' of BioMarin International Ltd., who secured first place in the Desk-Based category, and 'Baby Got Track' also of BioMarin International Ltd., who topped the Non-Desk-Based leaderboard.
Together, more than 10,800 participants across Ireland logged an incredible 2.7 billion steps during October, the equivalent of walking around the Earth 51 times. This remarkable collective achievement highlights the power of active travel and the positive impact of making walking part of our daily lives.
TU Dublin Teams Go the Distance for Walktober 2026
Twenty-five teams from across TU Dublin laced up their walking shoes this October and took part in the step challenge, collectively demonstrating how small daily choices can make a big difference for our health and wellbeing and our commitment to sustainability.
We have seen increased footfall across campuses with lunchtime walkers, commuting champions and determined joggers. Participants embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, commitment, campus spirit, and a little bit of friendly competition throughout the month, achieving an extraordinary 5.8 million steps during October.
We are delighted to announce the top three teams for their outstanding efforts - a token prize is being prepared for you.
- 🥇 1st Place - MAK N Cheese with an outstanding average of 496,280 steps.
- 🥈 2nd Place - Dexy's Midday Walkers with an impressive average of 386,694 steps.
- 🥉 3rd Place - DFT Steppers who completed an excellent average of 350,483 steps.
Congratulations to the students of MAK N Cheese who ranked as the overall winning team within TU Dublin. Team members include Ariele Calajate, Kevin Catapang and Maxwell Keogh.
Well done to staff team Dexy's Midday Walkers who secured second place. Team members include Aisling Costello, AnneMarie Shier, Margaret Fingleton, and Nicola Hughes. And staff team DFT Steppers who secured third place. Team members include Deirdre Mullen-McGuinness, Fiona Mullen, Tony McGuinness
Every Step Counts
While the leaderboard celebrates our highest-performing teams, the real achievement belongs to all those who took part. Every walk to campus, lunchtime stroll, walking meeting and active journey contributed to improved wellbeing, reduced transport emissions and a stronger sense of campus spirit. TU Dublin would like to thank all participating teams for making Walktober 2026 such a success and for demonstrating that sustainable travel can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
Congratulations once again to all our participants, and especially to MAK N Cheese, Dexy's Midday Walkers, and DFT Steppers on their fantastic achievements. We look forward to seeing even more members of the TU Dublin community get involved next year. The next step challenge will be the Marchathon which takes place in March 2027 - we welcome all students and staff to get involved.
Smarter Travel at TU Dublin
Smarter Travel for Campuses is a Transport for Ireland (TFI) voluntary behaviour change programme which supports third-level educational institutions and workplaces to implement voluntary travel plans. These plans focus on promoting and encouraging students and staff to sustainably and actively commute to campus. As programme partners, TU Dublin engages in a series of Smarter Travel activities, and students and staff are encouraged to get involved.
Smarter Travel at TU Dublin is coordinated within Societal Engagement with support from TU Dublin Sport. If you would like to get involved please contact Smarter Travel Coordinators Rebecca Flanagan and Deirdre Mullen-McGuinness.