Take a Walk

By Ellie Hodder

Ellie Hodder is the
founder of Women Walk
the Marathon® in
Portland, OR and
creator of the website
www.everything4walkers.com

What is a “Walker Friendly” Marathon?

I couldn’t say which came first, the idea of including walkers or the fact that some race director looked up one day and saw folks walking to the finish line, but walkers now take part in many events in the U.S. and worldwide. What began as a gamble for some race directors has become usual and ordinary in many events.

How do you know if the event you plan to walk is really “walker friendly?”

There are a few things that make the best events for walkers stand out.

1. Most walkers want a unified start, or, if they are slower then the main field, they’d appreciate an early start. They want to receive support during the race, just like those at the front of the pack. They want to be allowed to finish safely, to hear their name at the finish line, to receive a medal, finisher’s shirt, and to have their time recorded just like everyone else.
2. Walkers want to be certain that the marathon route will be clearly marked and/or staffed by volunteers to direct them for the full time that participants are allowed to be on the course. If chip timing is used, they want to know that the timing mats will be there for all participants throughout the event. If support will be gradually withdrawn from the course, walkers want that information stated with the event description.
3. If participants will be barred from finishing after a certain point, they want to know in advance. Look for clear language — ”only those who can complete this event in seven hours will be supported.” Simple. Clear. Complete.

If there will be changes to the course, and participants are asked to move to sidewalks, walkers want that information up front and in a clear way so they can make informed decisions.

And, it wouldn’t hurt if the “public face” of the event were evident throughout the day to let all participants know that their efforts are valued and their personal triumphs celebrated. It is good press for the event and a nice memory for participants.
When choosing an event, research matters.
1. Know in advance what to expect. Look at the race’s web site. How long is the course going to be open? If you think you will be out there longer than or near the end of the advertised window, email the race director and get answers to these important four questions:
• If I am on the course longer then the specified “x” number of hours, will I be allowed to finish?
• In this case, will I receive my finishers’ medal and shirt?
• If volunteers have departed the course, how will the course be identified so that I will know where to go?
• Are there any restrictions to my participation?

Only enter a race where you receive timely answers to these questions and events where you will be able to finish and receive your “bling,” that is, a medal and fashionable finisher’s shirt. Without satisfactory guarantees, take your money elsewhere.

2. Train! Find a good marathon walking schedule (not a watered down run program), get a good coach, find the most current information and get your buns out the door. If you’re truly a seven-hour marathoner, enter marathons where participants will be supported for seven hours. Choose your expected finish time based on real times, rather than hoping you can do it in the allotted number of hours.
3. Take care of yourself as if you were going to get nothing from the event! Carry your own fluids and food. If the event is prepared for you and provides adequate aid and support, that’s terrific. If not, you will know before the start gun goes off that you are well prepared to go the distance.
4. Lastly, take all the precautions you can for medical emergencies in case medical aid is either gone or poorly prepared. Carry a charged cell phone to use to call for help. Make sure you’ve programmed in your in case of emergency (ICE) numbers. Wear ID, either around your neck or on your wrist, not on your shoe. Make sure you have your essential medications with you and that you’ve talked to your health care provider about what to expect from your meds if you are doing endurance events in a variety of conditions.

I am very fond of a quote by Viktor Frankel, author of the book Man’s Search for Meaning. He said, “The last of human freedoms is the ability to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Your attitude is a freedom.

In the end, much of your event experience is what you take with you to the start line. You can have a fabulous marathon whether or not the event takes your needs and the quality of your efforts as seriously as those of the runners.

Do your homework — all of it, from training to asking the four questions — and walk to the finish line singing.

List your “walker friendly” events free at www.everything4walkers.com.