By: Matt Cox—
Muncie, IN—It’s time once again for Walk Indiana, the non-competitive walking marathon on the Cardinal and White River Greenways. This year’s event is Saturday, September 9, and features a 13.1 mile, half-marathon at 8 am followed by the 5K and 10K events at 9 am, all originating at the Greenway Depot on 700 S. Wysor Street.
Walk Indiana is a fundraiser for the Cardinal Greenway, a locally-based non-profit which also includes White River Greenway, the historic Wysor Street Depot and Cardinal Equestrian Trail. The Cardinal Greenway is Indiana’s longest rail-trail, including Muncie in its 62-mile stretch from Marion to Richmond. Muncie-area residents are fond of their town’s history, and the Walk Indiana course includes much of it, from Native American settlement grounds to the early industrial locales of Muncie via the old Chesapeake and Ohio railroad corridor.
But Walk Indiana’s appeal is more than just for the historically-minded or community supporters. Virtually anyone of all manner of physical abilities can benefit from a leisurely walk that is part of a regular physically-active routine.
According to the American Heart Association, walking for at least 30 minutes every day reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, improves blood pressure, maintains a healthier body weight and lowers the risk of obesity. Walking also enhances your mental well-being, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, breast and colon cancers and type 2 diabetes. It is also low-impact cardiovascular exercise and, with training, carries a low risk of serious injuries. All you need to develop a regular walking routine is a sense of exploration, some comfortable clothes and a pair of sturdy shoes.
Because it is open to all ages and skill levels, Walk Indiana is not a timed event and participatory prizes are awarded to all who complete the course, whether a 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles) or 13.1 mile, half-marathon distance.
To sign up for Walk Indiana, participants may register by visiting walkindiana.org, cardinalgreenways.org/events, or via a paper registration available throughout Muncie. Registration is $30, and free parking and MITS shuttles are available throughout the event from the nearby Fieldhouse. I hope you’ll join me and the more than 3,400 others who’ve enjoyed a September day on the Cardinal and White River Greenways this September 9.
Matthew Cox has participated in Walk Indiana as a walker or volunteer every year since 2010, and is a member of the Walk Indiana event organizing committee and a frequent user and supporter of Cardinal Greenways.
