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Walkers head out at the beginning of last year’s event. Courtesy photo.

“It’s never too late to start walking or even running, according to many health experts,” Walk 4 Women Chair Maura Van Ness says.  “So, we’re encouraging people to make a contribution to both themselves and the community by joining us on Saturday, October 13 for the fourth Walk 4 Women.”

The event starts that morning with registration at 9:15 a.m. at McCormick Park’s depot building, at 26200 NE Stephens Street in Duvall. The walk itself begins at 10:00 a.m.

“You can go as little or as far as you want,” Van Ness explains. “It’s a 13.2-mile half-marathon course along the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley River trail. Some people walk a few blocks or a mile or two, and others do the entire half-marathon. We’ll be happy to see you there regardless of how far you decide to go.”

The trail is primarily flat, and the walk begins and ends at the depot. This is an event designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities.

The Walk 4 Women benefits the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, to help women and their families with temporary shelter until they can get safe housing. It also benefits the residents of a transitional housing program in Duvall.

“While keeping your fitness in mind,” Van Ness adds, “you can also contribute to a community action experience that raises the bar of safety and hope for women and children at risk.”

The Walk 4 Women is sponsored by the Duvall Civic Club. It has become a favorite community event, with opportunity to meet neighbors and make new friends while on the trail or when enjoying refreshments and music afterward in the depot. In past years, it has drawn walkers from 8 to 86 years old.

Registration is $25 per person or $40 per family. Children 12 and under who are with adults are free. Middle schoolers and high schoolers can walk for $10 each and are encouraged to bring friends and form teams. Walkers can register the morning of the event. To register by mail or make a donation, send your check to the Duvall Civic Club, P.O. Box 315, Duvall, WA 98019. Checks should be made out to “Duvall Civic Club Walk 4 Women.”

Walkers are encouraged to get walking pledges from friends and family as well, though pledges are not required. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will be used to help these women and their families, at a time when communities are seeing a continuing increase in urgent requests for life-saving services, shelter, and basic necessities.

“Research has shown that regular walking offers many benefits,” Van Ness comments. “It helps reduce risk of heart attack and stroke, and it reduces your blood pressure. Walking strengthens your immune system, gives you more energy, helps you sleep better, and improves your strength and flexibility. In addition, it improves your brain functioning, reduces stress, and lifts your mood. We’re hoping getting out for the Walk 4 Women will encourage people to keep on walking!”

To find out more about the Walk 4 Women or the Duvall Civic Club, see the Duvall Civic Club’s Facebook page or call (425) 788-5769.

Upcoming Civic Club events include the Duvall Christmas tree lighting in downtown Duvall on November 30 and the Santa Sale-a-Bration,  which is a craft bazaar, bake sale and Santa photo event, on December 1, in the old Duvall Library. Proceeds from these and other Civic Club events go to fund scholarships to local school students, fund library and community music programs, and the like.

The Duvall Civic Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month (except July and August) in the downstairs Rose Room at the old Duvall library. Visitors and new members are welcome.

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