Ten years ago, I thought that creating a race for walkers only would be well-received. After all, twice as many people were walking than running.
Yet there was no walkers-only race in the country, other than races for serious walkers whose form was judged according to Olympic racewalk standards and whose numbers were decidedly minimal.
My enthusiasm for initiating a walkers-only race was not shared by many whose support I sought. I got comments such as “You’ll be lucky to get 50 participants” and “Really? You think people are going to want to participate in a walking event?”
That was then. This is now.
Our Participants
In 2005, the first year of the New Albany Walking Classic, more than 900 participants lined up at the start on Market Street in downtown New Albany to walk a 10K distance. This year’s Walk sold out in April, its earliest ever, with 3,500 entrants. The Walk has grown to become the largest walk of its kind in the United States.
Our Partners
I had to beg for a few partners who would serve as sponsors. I was turned down by dozens of businesses, large and small, that saw no value in supporting event they perceived would fail. We had five significant sponsors in 2005. Today, we have more than 40.
Our Purpose
Just as with any running race, I wanted to create an event in which participants could walk for competition and/or for health. That was then and that’s how it is now.
Because of the Walk and the support of our many partners and volunteers, Healthy New Albany – a community health initiative in partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the City of New Albany – was created. Because of the dynamic and innovative wellness approach undertaken, Healthy New Albany will serve as a model for many communities throughout the country that will seek to improve the well-being of their residents.
I am looking forward to seeing you at the starting line on Sept. 7 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Walk.
Healthfully,
Phil Heit
Founder and Race Director
New Albany Walking Classic
