Lithuanians' love for pink soup crossed borders – literally. This year, the iconic pink soup has become more than just a staple of spring cuisine – it’s also a symbol of an international walking challenge. In less than three months, people from 75 countries around the world united by their love of pink soup have collectively taken enough steps to circle the Earth 160 times.
Inspired to Move
The "Vilnius Pink Soup Festival" walking challenge, which began this spring on the international walking app Walk15, has already achieved impressive results – over 8 billion steps, equivalent to more than 3,300 journeys around Lithuania or 160 around the Earth.
“In the challenge, seven teams compete in steps, each representing one of the main ingredients of pink soup. Interestingly, among the 22.3 thousand participants, there are representatives from 75 countries. Outside of Lithuania, the most active fans of the pink soup are in Latvia, Romania, the UK, the US, Germany, Estonia, Ukraine, and Norway,” shares Walk15 founder and CEO Vlada Musvydaitė-Vilčiauskė.
Though the Beetroot Team currently has the most members – 8,000 – the most active participants are in the Green Onion Team. Over almost 90 days, they’ve averaged 422,000 steps each. Following them in activity are the Kefir and Dill teams.
“At first, it seemed like the pink soup challenge would be just a fun seasonal activity. But it quickly became clear – it’s much more than steps for a pink soup. It’s a manifesto of togetherness, movement, and healthier habits. As a grocery chain that encourages people daily to choose fresh, quality food, we also see value in promoting a more active lifestyle. We’re thrilled that our collaboration with Walk15 has become part of an international movement that inspires people not only to walk but also to smile. And yes – pink soup has never been so motivating!” says Gintarė Kitovė, Head of Communications at IKI.
Pink Soup Fans to Hit the Streets
The virtual step challenge isn’t the only active leisure initiative centered on pink soup. On May 31, the "IKI Pink Soup Walking Competition" will invite people to walk in person in Vilnius, as part of the Vilnius Pink Soup Festival. Over 10,000 participants are expected to join the 15,000-step route through some of Vilnius’s most scenic locations.
This walking competition marks a 10-year anniversary – a decade of promoting movement, exploration, and healthier living. Participants will receive unique medals decorated with a pink soup theme and will have the chance to exchange their steps for fruits, vegetables, and other goodies at a one-of-a-kind “steps market.”
The event is free, but registration is required.
