Lace Up and Treat Your Body and Mind to the Northwest's Best Walking Event

Early registration for the 2005 Willamette Valley Relay, the Northwest's premiere long-distance walking event, is now open to all walkers. Set for July 15 and 16, the annual walk-only event will take walkers of all levels on a fun and challenging 135-mile journey through Oregon's pastoral Willamette Valley. In addition to promoting the health benefits of a regular walking program, a portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Legacy Comprehensive Stroke Program.

"No other relay event in the Northwest is designed exclusively for walkers of all levels by walkers," said organizer Judy Heller, a Personal Fitness Trainer, one of the region's foremost experts on walking and founder of Wonders of Walking, LLC. "Whether you're a first-timer, an accomplished relay walker, or avid racewalker, the Willamette Valley Relay is a great way to commit to training to go the distance while having fun."

Walking teams of eight to 12 can download registration applications at www.wondersofwalking.com. Information, including course maps, costs, discounted lodging and more, can be found on the site, as well. The deadline for registering is May 15 to avoid a late fee. Teams registering after May 15 will pay a $100 penalty.

Individual walkers who want to participate in the relay but do not have a team, or teams who are in need of additional walkers, can be matched through Willamette Valley Relay's matching service. Visit the Web site for details.

The Willamette Valley Relay will travel through the most scenic portions of Oregon's Willamette Valley, from Champoeg State Park to Alton-Baker Park in Eugene, using scenic and lightly traveled roads.

The relay features a postcard-perfect, 135-mile route, highlighting the region's history, beauty and agriculture. Walkers will stride through four parks, five counties (Marion, Polk, Linn, Benton and Lane), one wildlife refuge and eight Oregon towns, including, Gervais, Turner, Independence, Monmouth, Albany, Harrisburg, Junction City and Eugene, in two summer days.

Event sponsors include Pace Setter Athletic, Wilsonville, New Balance, NW Foot and Ankle Clinic, Idea Advocates law group, LLC, EroFit and Associates, LLC and The Step Beyond Walking and Running.

Willamette Valley Relay was founded in 2004 by Wonders of Walking, LLC, a Portland-based organization that advocates walking for well-being and pleasure. Wonders of Walking president Judy Heller is a well-known walking advocate, trainer and organizer of major regional walking events. Heller was honored by the Oregon Road Runners for the 2003 Dedicated Walker award, which is bestowed on an individual who has given their time and talents for the good of the walking community. Wonders of Walking manages a series of walking events currently all set in Oregon, including: Willamette Valley Relay, July 15-16, Sisters Stride in Sisters, Sept. 25 and The Pumpkin Caper in Beaverton on Oct. 23. For more information and details, see www.wondersofwalking.com.