The 10,000 Steps project, or Tour de Southern Cross as it is known by the aged care provider, is a walking challenge that consists of walking 10,000 steps daily, which after three months will equate to the distance equivalent of a tour of all the Southern Cross facilities.

Assumption Villa has entered five teams into the virtual marathon that began on Tuesday at 11.20am at all 28 Southern Cross aged care facilities.

More than 400 staff have registered for the program that will be completed in two stages.

Part one of the tour starts at the St Joseph's apartments in Tweed Heads and will end in Parkes in December.

Part two will run between February and March next year and finish in Moama.

The 10,000 Steps project is part of a wider wellbeing initiative that aims to create better physical health, promote team skills and boost self esteem.

Assumption Villa care manager Shirley Shirdan said staff were looking forward to competing in the program.

"It will be good for motivation and a bit of fun in the workplace," she said.

"Staff are very keen to participate in the program and it works well because many of them will quite often walk after work so that's an advantage.

"Having the opportunity to win the prizes is a bit of a bonus because it means there's a bit of competitive spirit and the will to complete the 10,000 steps each day."

Each participant has been given a free pedometer, with prizes for each race and stage winner.

Teams will also receive prizes on each occasion it achieves personal best results along the way.

Southern Cross chief executive officer John Ireland will also be participating in the challenge.

"Our staff need to maintain their fitness and retain their sense of fun in order to maximise the care of our residents," he said.

"This walking challenge will enhance those attributes and further improve our team work, with the opportunity to win prizes being an added bonus."