MAPLEWOOD, NJ – FreeWalkers, a long-distance walking group based in New Jersey, is hosting a special spring weekend of walking up to 38 miles on the East Coast Greenway. Thetwo-day scenic event will start in College Park, MD, and take walkers on local trails, through theheart of Washington, D.C., and to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
Click here to sign up on Eventbrite
"We are excited to meet new people, and reconnect with friends from our previous walks,”FreeWalkers President Risa Olinsky said. “Our team looks forward to highlighting this section of the Greenway, and promoting the benefits of the traffic-free route. We can’t wait to experience the historical points of interest along the way, and to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments each day.”
Dennis Markatos-Soriano, who has served as the executive director of the East Coast Greenway Alliance since 2009, said, "Active events like this amazing walk are turning the East Coast Greenway dream into reality. Together, with outstanding partners like the FreeWalkers, we are building a path to a healthy, equitable, and sustainable future. Along this path we are cultivating community as we connect people to history, nature, and each other."
The FreeWalkers organization is working with hotels in the Old Town section of Alexandria toprovide special rates for registrants. The historic cobblestone neighborhood along the Potomac offers shopping, unique architecture and a trendy atmosphere. Hotel information will be provided to each registrant.
- Saturday, April 23: On this first day, walk 20 miles from College Park, MD, to Alexandria, VA. For those beginning in Alexandria, you can take the Metro to the starting point.
- Sunday, April 24: The 18-mile walk starts near the hotels, and participants will journey to Mount Vernon, and then back. For those who prefer a shorter route on day two, walk ten miles to Mount Vernon, and return to Alexandria via water taxi.
This walk is a fundraiser for both FreeWalkers and the East Coast Greenway Alliance, which was instrumental in helping FreeWalkers get underway over 10 years ago. There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee. Sign up on Eventbrite or get the link at www.freewalkers.org/events.
Please email Risa Olinsky at risafitness@hotmail.com or David Ascher at or dmascher@gmail.com for more information.
About:
FreeWalkers is a nonprofit organization that offers events, information and networking opportunities to educate the public on the benefits of walking, and to promote pedestrian friendly issues. The group is free to join, and open to all. Learn more at www.freewalkers.org.
The East Coast Greenway is a 3,000 mile walking and biking route that connects 15 states from Maine to Florida by promoting active and healthy lifestyles, sustainable transportation, community engagement, climate resilience, tourism and more. The Greenway offers a safe place for bicyclists, walkers, and runners of all ages and abilities to commute, exercise, and visit new destinations. Learn more at www.greenway.org.
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