For the 62nd year, the annual Langley Walk event is happening on Sunday, May 5, and this time aroud it’s being hosted at Walnut Grove Community Park.
The tradition was started in 1963 by Pete Swensson, Langley Township’s first recreation director who was passionate about getting people active.
Township Mayor Eric Woodward said this longstanding tradition brings people together every year in Langley.
“It is wonderful to see residents take this opportunity to get together with family and friends, get active, and explore some of the neighbourhoods that make up our community,” he said.
About 500 people participated in the first walk for a 22-mile course from Aldergrove Park to River Road, from Fort Langley to City Park.
In the 1970s, the walk attracted more than 5,000 people, a record yet to be broken. Last year’s walk drew about 350.
READ MORE: VIDEO: 61st Langley Walk draws more than 350
Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal said he loves to see people’s enthusiasm for the annual walk.
“There are walkers who have been doing this event for years and it is great to see them proudly wearing shirts or jackets full of the crests that they have collected over time.”
All finishers receive a commemorative crest, a memento annual walkers collect as part of the tradition.
Plaques are awarded for oldest walker and most walkers from a school, business, or family.
This year there is only a five-kilometre route.
The event will be held, rain or shine, and starts at 12:30 p.m. with a pre-walk warm-up before the walk, which starts at 1 p.m.
Participants are asked to dress for the weather and bring their own reusable water bottle. Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed on the course.
Walnut Grove park is located behind Walnut Grove Secondary, at 8919 Walnut Grove Dr.
People can register for free at the event or online at tol.ca or langleycity.ca.
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