Change is Good

by

I have been involved in road races for many years, having run my first marathon in 1970.

Races have grown in popularity and evolved since those early days. Timing technology, registration procedures, course safety guidelines and participant giveaways have changed dramatically, along with the development of sophisticated athletic gear.

I have experienced my share of races that became redundant in approach and practice. Participation decreased, and many of these races eventually folded. While a number of races today are popular because they are “gimmicky,” my experiences clearly indicate they will not be around in the years to come. Reinvention and evaluation of practices by race directors is imperative for sustainability.

The New Albany Walking Classic is unique and not replete with gimmicks. It is an athletic event with the same goals of any serious running race, albeit with only walking permitted.

We continue to evolve in ways that will benefit participants and have implemented strategies to enhance this year’s Walk.

  • We have increased our registration capacity to 4,000. This is an increase of 500 over last year’s capacity and 1,000 over 2013’s. This year’s Walk will be our largest.
  • In response to feedback regarding crowding, we have added a competitors’ division to ease traffic flow.
  • Our post-race event, this year with music, will be moved to the area in front of the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany to accommodate our increased number of food vendors.
  • Finally, this year’s jacket might just be our very best. In addition to the fashionable design, a great deal of attention was placed on fit.

These are just a handful of the ways in which we are constantly evolving to provide you with a great experience.

See you at the start.

Healthfully,

Phil Heit

Founder and Race Director

New Albany Walking Classic