UTA 2026 Longevity Games

The First Annual UTA Longevity Games Arrive April 4, 2026 — A New Tradition in Movement, Community, and Healthy Aging

On April 4, 2026, the University of Texas at Arlington will host something entirely new for the campus and the broader Dallas–Fort Worth community: the First Annual Longevity Games, a full‑day celebration of movement, connection, and healthy aging inspired by the world’s longest‑living cultures. The event takes place at Maverick Stadium from 10 AM to 3 PM and welcomes students, alumni, faculty, and the public to participate in a uniquely accessible fitness experience.

A Global Wellness Movement Comes to UTA

The Longevity Games began as an international wellness initiative built around Blue Zone–inspired functional movement — the natural, everyday motions practiced by people in regions known for exceptional longevity. After launching in the UK in 2024, the movement has grown rapidly, and UTA will become the first university in the United States to host an official Longevity Games event.

This milestone positions UTA at the forefront of a growing global conversation about how simple, functional movement can support long‑term health, mobility, and independence.

What Makes the Longevity Games Different

Unlike traditional fitness competitions, the Longevity Games focus on approachable, natural movements that anyone can perform. Participants rotate through five functional body‑weight exercises, each modeled after motions people perform daily in the world’s longest‑living communities:

• Squats — building leg strength and joint mobility

• Lie‑down stand‑ups — supporting balance and independence

• Hand walkouts — strengthening the core and shoulders

• Lunge walks — improving stability and gait

• Burpee steps or jumps — boosting cardiovascular resilience
  

Each movement is performed at one of three fitness levels — novice, intermediate, or proficient — ensuring that the event is inclusive and adaptable for all ages and abilities

Participants also complete short runs between stations, mimicking the natural mix of walking, lifting, bending, and rising that characterizes daily life in Blue Zone regions.

Guided by UTA Track & Field Volunteers

One of the most meaningful aspects of the event is its partnership with the UTA Track & Field team, whose volunteers will guide participants, offer encouragement, and help ensure a smooth, supportive experience for everyone involved.

Registration donations directly support the Track & Field program, meaning every participant contributes to the success of Maverick student‑athletes.

A Community‑Centered Experience

The Longevity Games are designed to be as welcoming as possible:

• All ages and fitness levels welcome

• Free parking for all attendees

• Free spectator admission so friends and family can cheer

• Affordable ticket options ranging from $49.99 to $89.99, depending on donation level
  

Every registered participant receives a Longevity Games athletic T‑shirt, and medals are awarded based on the fitness level selected — gold, silver, or bronze.

Why Events Like This Matter

The Longevity Games represent a shift in how we think about fitness. Instead of focusing on extreme performance or aesthetics, the event highlights movement as a lifelong habit — something that supports metabolic health, mobility, mental well‑being, and independence.

In an era where many people are exploring new tools like GLP‑1 medications to support metabolic health, events like this provide the essential counterpart: functional movement that preserves muscle, strengthens joints, and builds resilience.

Join the Movement on April 4, 2026

The First Annual Longevity Games at UTA promises to be a landmark event — one that blends science‑informed wellness, community connection, and accessible fitness into a single, energizing experience.

Registration is open now at www.longevitygames.com.

Whether you’re a student, alum, or community participant, the Longevity Games offer a powerful reminder: movement is medicine, and community is longevity.