Each year I receive numerous emails and phone calls and countless people stop me on the street or at my “office” (which happens to be the Starbucks in New Albany) to share plaudits about the New Albany Walking Classic. It’s the appreciation shown by so many individuals that enables me to maintain my enthusiasm for investing the time needed to help coordinate such a complex event. Last year, after the Walk, with beads of perspiration on her forehead and sweat permeating her shirt, a competitor approached me. She wrapped both of her slippery arms around me and with tears in her eyes said, “Thank you. I just completed my last series of chemotherapy this week and crossing the finish line was one of the highlights of my life. You’ve given me a purpose to live.” How very touched I was.

While I am very moved and inspirited by the many compliments I receive each year, I can’t help but share these kinds of thoughtful expressions with the different entities that help make the Walking Classic the awesome event that it has become. The success of the Walking Classic is not a result of the participation by any one person or group. The involvement of our generous sponsors, the 500 eager volunteers and the committed event coordinators is the reason the Walk has been able to evolve from concept to implementation. I’d like to take a moment to give credit where credit is due.

The Walking Classic would not be successful without the support of our sponsor/partners. This year’s sponsors have been extremely generous, and have provided the funding to ensure the quality for which the Classic is known. In addition to providing financial assistance, they also are the sources of in-kind support. Whether it’s the water distributed at the finish line or the veggie burger sliders handed to participants after they have walked the 6.2 miles, our sponsor support is clearly evident. The expenses related to police coordination, placing No Parking signs throughout the community and the placement of barricades around the walking route are supported through the Village of New Albany. The fabulous Health Expo would not be a reality if not for the generosity of the Ohio State University Medical Center offering free health screenings and health information. The media attention we receive from partners like WBNS-10TV and CityScene Magazine helps promote the uniqueness of the Walk. I urge you to take notice of the sponsor banners you will see displayed on race day and support those who support us.

I cannot say enough about the volunteers who give of themselves for two days at the Health Expo. They distribute registration packets, provide directions to participants and help assemble the give-aways at the McCoy Community for the Arts. The hundreds of volunteers on race day who distribute water, monitor traffic and cheer the walkers are amazing.

Our 25-person event committee executes every aspect of the Walk with precision and professionalism. The stationing of the course monitors, the setting up of 20,000 cups at the water stops and the shuffling of 4000 walkers across the finish line is performed flawlessly.

Finally, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to you for participating in this year’s Walking Classic and making a commitment to incorporate physical activity as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. You are to be commendedfor taking charge of your well-being. And by the way, you also are more than a participant. You are an athlete.