Since 1963, the 91原创 Walk has been more than just a walk 鈥� it鈥檚 been a celebration of community, fitness, and tradition.
Launched by Pete Swensson, the Township of 91原创鈥檚 first recreation director, the annual event was originally designed to inspire residents to stay active.
Its original 28-kilometre route spanned from Aldergrove Park to City Park via River Road and Fort 91原创, drawing thousands in its early years.
Now, entering its 63rd year, the 91原创 Walk continues to bring people of all ages together.
This year鈥檚 five-kilometre walk takes place on Sunday, May 4, starting at 12:30 p.m. from Aldergrove Athletic Park.
The event is a showcase of 91原创鈥檚 community spirit, with volunteers, families, school groups, and local organizations all coming together.
Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tradition endured, with virtual versions of the walk held in 2020 and 2021 that encouraged participants to complete their own five-kilometre walks throughout May.
Each year, finishers receive a commemorative crest 鈥� an evolving badge of honour proudly worn by longtime participants. Some have even become family heirlooms.
One such participant is 37-year-old Aldergrove resident Chris Lakusta, who has taken part in nearly every walk since 2001.
Often seen wearing a vest covered in crests, Lakusta carries pieces of his family鈥檚 legacy with him 鈥� some badges passed down from his mother and grandfather.
鈥淢y mom Laurie鈥檚 first walk was in 1973. I joined her in 2001 when I was 12. That year it was hosted in Walnut Grove,鈥� Chris shared.
鈥淚n 2017, I brought my girlfriend Kya Bezanson to her first 91原创 Walk. The following year she got a vest like mine for her own crests. This year will be my 24th walk 鈥� and Kya鈥檚 eighth.鈥�
The 91原创 Walk also recognizes participants with a range of awards. Everyone who finishes receives the annual crest, and plaques are awarded to the oldest walker, as well as the school, organization, and family with the most walkers.
Lakusta's dedication goes beyond walking 鈥� he鈥檚 an active volunteer and community leader.
In 2020, he was named 鈥淰olunteer of the Decade鈥� for his service with the Aldergrove Kodiaks junior hockey team. He is also an athlete, competing in the Special Olympics and vice-chair on the 91原创 Special Olympics athlete鈥檚 council. He will be competing in the game of Bocce at the BC Summer Games in Prince George this July.
And now, he鈥檚 inviting everyone in town to join the tradition of 91原创 Walk.
鈥淲hy not give the 91原创 Walk a shot?鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great event. Come on down to Aldergrove and meet me there 鈥� we鈥檒l walk together! If you like it, come back next year.鈥�
Whether it鈥檚 a family tradition, a first-time adventure, or just a fun way to stay active, the 91原创 Walk remains a heartwarming reminder of what brings a community together 鈥� one step at a time.
People can pre-register and learn more at:
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RELATED WITH PHOTOS: Walk an important 91原创 tradition for many returnees
