Big Debut for Anthem Stride Through Time
Over 2,200 walkers participated in the Anthem Stride Through Time, a 10 kilometer, history-themed fitness walk that took place on Saturday May 30, 2009.
In numbers far exceeding organizer’s expectations, over 2,200 walkers participated in the Anthem Stride Through Time, a 10 kilometer, history-themed fitness walk.
“Our community’s response to the Anthem Stride Through Time’s combination of history and fitness was overwhelmingly positive,” said Jon Lugbill, Sports Backers executive director and the organizer of the Anthem Stride Through Time. “Our final numbers far exceeded our expectations, and our walkers were so enthusiastic about the event’s historical interpreters, bands, antique cars and history museum stops that this event is destined to grow.”
Anthem Stride Through Time walkers started in downtown Richmond on Brown’s Island with a booming cannon fired by Civil War re-enactors. They proceeded down Richmond’s scenic and historic Canal Walk, and then wound their way past St. John’s Church, the Poe Museum, the 17th Street Farmers Market, Monumental Church, the Virginia State Capitol, the Valentine Richmond History Center, the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia before returning to Brown’s Island for the Thompson McMullan Finish Line Festival, which featured a band, costumed historical interpreters and an exhibit of vintage sports cars.
Fifth grade history teacher Kelly Clough, of Mineral, VA, walked the Anthem Stride Through Time with her mother, Mary, also of Mineral, and her aunt Becky Jaciuk, of Ashland, VA. The trio signed up in April, soon after walking the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k together.
“We always try to have something to aim for to stay in shape,” said Kelly Clough, who took photos at the historical site to show her students. “It was neat to scout out sites for field trips for the kids. We will definitely be back next year.”
In addition to connecting thousands of Richmonders to their city’s fascinating historical legacy, the Anthem Stride Through Time benefitted the Valentine Richmond History Center and the Historic Richmond Foundation by raising money for the History Fund.
For more information on the Anthem Stride Through Time visit www.sportsbackers.org.
Mike McCormick, a former national champion kayak racer, stays active with running, biking and kayaking in between serious bouts of work on his yard and house on the south side.
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