Something to Walk About

In the eight years since its inception, the New Albany Walking Classic has grown to become an annual favorite for residents of the city and walkers from all over the United States.

“The New Albany Walking Classic is to walking as the Boston Marathon is to running,” says Walking Classic founder Phil Heit.

The fame of this local event has spread nationwide since it began, drawing participants from all over. “Last year walkers came from 37 different states and more than 250 different ZIP codes. These people get to see how wonderful this community really is,” Heit says.

This year’s walk is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Sept. 16 at Market Square. A walker may choose either the half-marathon course (13.1 miles) or the 10K course (6.2 miles).

“It’s the most scenic race course anywhere in Ohio,” Heit says. “You meander by golf courses, beautiful estate homes, ponds and country paths. It is especially beautiful for those who are doing the half-marathon.”

The Walking Classic attracts upwards of 3,000 participants each year. The event has become so popular that coordinators of the event had to set a maximum number of walkers.

“We put a limit to keep the races high-quality,” Heit says. “The roads are only so wide and we want to make sure everyone has a good experience.”

Walkers of all ages and experience levels can enjoy the scenic courses.

“We run the whole gamut of ages; people 9 to 90 come,” Heit says. “We have people who qualified in the 2012 Olympic trials who walk seven-minute

Classic

miles and people who walk just to get in shape and whose times don’t matter. People really appreciate the idea that it’s only walkers and that it respects walking. Whether they want to compete or just complete the event, we provide them with that opportunity.”

Awards from Tiffany’s will be given to the first three men and women finishers in the 10K and half marathon. In addition, each walker who crosses the finish line will recieve a special award.

Because the event is volunteerbased, overhead costs are low and more money can be donated, Heit says.

“One hundred percent of what we take in is donated,” he says. “We have a great number of charities and an endowment fund set up to promote health in New Albany.”

The focus of the walk is to bring healthy living to the forefront of its participants. Jill Van Deventer is a walking success story stemming from the event.

“I heard about the walk eight years ago through my (employer), but I didn’t participate because I wasn’t fit for it,” Van Deventer says. “I started the third year and I have been there ever since.”

Signing up and completing the event was the first step toward healthier living for Van Deventer.

“The first year was very difficult, but I finished,” she says. “It really was the start of me getting healthier and being fit. I’ve done the half-marathon twice since then and I’m training to do it right now. It’s so encouraging because the people are there for one goal. It keeps me going.”

Walkers 13 years old and older may participate in the Walking Classic. Children ages 6-12 may sign up for the children’s 10-mile fun walk for ages 6-12.

Visit www.newalbanywalkingclassic. com to register for races. Walkers must pick up their information packet at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts between 4 and 8 p.m. Sept. 14 or 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sept. 15. A photo ID is required at pickup.

Stephan Reed is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@pubgroupltd.com.