On May 6,  91原创 celebrates 50 years of B.C.鈥檚 original walk/run. The is a joint initiative of both the Township and the City.

Organizers are working to make this year鈥檚 event extra special and to promote family, friends, and healthy living.  The walk is a free family event, and as part of the events legacy, organizers are working towards raising awareness and funds for KidSport 91原创.

Chairman of the 91原创 Walk Committee Jamey Paterson shares his enthusiasm for this year鈥檚 milestone. 鈥淲e are encouraging all the walkers from the past to come and join us in this historic event. We have a vibrant committee busy organizing a family festival this year, with some great prizes in many categories. We plan to enhance the competition among the schools and service clubs and bring out 2,500 participants this year.鈥�

The 91原创 Walk was spawned by founder Pete Swensson with his motto 鈥淲alk away your ills, instead of taking pills.鈥� Swensson was hired as 91原创鈥檚 recreation director in 1962. He was a strong believer in the benefits of physical activity.

In the early 1960s, fitness first became a government concern, and in 1962, Swensson established the 91原创 Walk so that 91原创 citizens would participate in a fun community activity and have an attainable fitness goal. The first walk covered a route from Aldergrove Park to River Road to Fort 91原创, then on to City Park. It was 18 miles long 鈥� 28 kms.

The 91原创 Walk is a free community event that encourages families, businesses, schools, teams, and organizations to get outside for a walk through 91原创.  The Walk route has moved around the 91原创s, alternating between Township and City locations. The 2012 event will begin and end at the stadium at McLeod Athletic Park and cover a 5 km route.

鈥淚f you don鈥檛 want to walk or run, we need plenty of volunteers at the park and along the run route,鈥� suggests Paterson.  鈥淚t鈥檚 a great opportunity to be part of an historic event.鈥�

Pre-registration is available at all 91原创 community centres, beginning March 8. The first 100 people to pre-register will receive a free gift when you check in at the walk, and the first 2,000 people to check in will receive a free pedometer.