From time to time, we
highlight "Mega-Walking Events." I have had the pleasure of attending the
Vancouver Discovery Walks every
single year, and for many years I was on "the Core Committee" and realize
what a tremendous amount of work it is to put on a large event such as the
Discovery Walks. While Vancouver
and the Columbia River are absolutely gorgeous, it is the "Fun, Fitness
and International Friendship" which draws me to this special event. Here
are some highlights.
Walkers come from all over
the US and the world. Often we will see a group from the German Army.
In they past, they marched 42K each day with full packs and singing marching songs.
Update:
The
2008 events take place at the
Hilton Hotel at 301 West 6th Street, Vancouver
Washington 98660. April 25-27, 2008 are next years dates. They plan to
eliminate the Sunday 42K distance, similar to their former
sister event in Victoria. At this time they plan to have 32K, 21K, 10K
and 6K on Sunday. The bikes and swims are moving to Sunday. Saturday
they will continue to have 42K, 32K, 21K, 10K, 6K and Family Fun
walks. Friday they have the 5K and 10K Mayor's Walk.
Update: The Victoria International Walking event, formerly
the Blossom Walks, has closed. We thank them for years of walking in
beautiful Victoria, B.C.
Congrats! 2007 stats show they had
more participants than ever before,
especially from Washington and Oregon - both travelers and locals.
News!
The Discovery Walk folks now have a blog. You can keep up with any
changes or discussion about the event
here.
Tip:
If you are walking a 42K
and want to keep motivated, walk behind the German soldiers!.
Tip:
Some
of us use the event to... well, smell the lilacs. You can choose from 5K,
10K and more... on up to 42K.
Tip:
The event is not just walking.
Enjoy the bike event and swim event. A great way to exercise some new
muscles and rest your walking muscles.
Tip:
If you are a new walker,
the best event to do is the Friday afternoon Mayor's walk. Choose from the
5K or 10K route. This route covers the best that
Vancouver has to offer.
Enjoy
Officer's Row,
Pearson Air Field, and the walk along the Columbia
River.
Tip:
Stay after the walks and socialize. You may meet walkers from
Japan, England, the Netherlands and more. They are very friendly. The
socials are worth attending.
Tip:
The beautiful
Hilton Hotel serves as a
headquarters for the event. It has large ball rooms and meeting
rooms. The lounge and restaurant at the Hilton is very nice. A great place
to meet after a hard day of walking. (Be sure and make your reservation
early. The Discovery Walk block of rooms goes fast. If you don't get
into the Hilton, the
Red Lion at the Quay is within walking distance). As I walked I also noticed the great indoor
Farmer's Market
building. Vancouver is really growing!
Tip:
Enjoy the Walker's Expo. Volks-Ware has a booth!
Usually Walking Adventures
and other walking related vendors have
displays and sales. We will be there throughout the event, Friday,
Saturday and Sunday. As always, for best selections, come see me just
after I open. I plan to bring my now famous wicking walking socks, walking
packs, Life is good shirts, blister prevention products and more.
