Welcome

Stevens Point will be hosting the annual Walk Wisconsin event Saturday, June 6, 2015 along the Green Circle Trail. Walk Wisconsin allows all ages and ability levels to participate in a non-competitive, multiple distances walking event. Being the leading walking event in the Midwest it encourages people to continue to live healthy lifestyles all year long.

Walking is an effective way to improve personal health, lower stress, encourage weight loss and has many other positive benefits. John Jury, a Walk Wisconsin Committee member states,” It is a great, active way for families and friends to spend quality time together, while improving their health.” There are four options to choose from, including the ¼ marathon (6.5 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), ¾ marathon (19.6 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles) options. There is also a Kids Walk Wisconsin option for children and their families that includes a 2.62 mile or 1.31 mile walk. Training schedules and registration forms are available for you at www.walkwisconsin.com.

Can’t find that motivation you need to get on track to living a healthy life style? Past participants of Walk Wisconsin share their stories about how this event positively changed their lives.

"I have been on a fitness run now for 4 years. Four years ago, I weighed 250 pounds and almost died. I was 69 at the time. I made up my mind to change the course of my life. I have lost 110 pounds and work out with a personal trainer 3 times a week and on my own the other 4 days. I made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for holding the abdominal plank longer than anyone in the entire world. I am now 73 and healthier than I have ever been. This is the second Walk Wisconsin I have taken part in, and next year will be number 3." -Betty Lou S.

"I walked this ½ marathon with my sister from St. Louis. We had walked this in 2006 with our sister from Stevens Point. After our sister from Stevens Point died unexpectedly from cancer in 2007, my sister and I couldn't get ourselves to walk this again until this year. It was in memory of our Stevens Point sister and started out with some tears, but we walked with a photo of our sister tucked away in my back pocket and knew she was once again on the Green Circle Trail she so often loved to walk or bike with her young children." - Anonymous

"After losing several family members over the past 3 years to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, I felt it was finally time to take care of myself. I have been severely overwight my entire life, and this past January I started the Weight Watchers Program. I've since lost 40lbs and am still going strong. My sister-in-law is a runner and is always encouraging me to do a run with her. She says most can be walked, so I would do just fine. When I heard the radio ad for Walk Wisconsin, I KNEW we had to do it together! I called her to tell her about it, and we signed up that night. Non-competitive and running was discouraged . . . that was JUST what I was looking for! She drove up for the weekend, and we walked the ¼ marathon together chatting and catching up along the way. We had an awesome time! The experience was so good that I made an appointment with my doctor to talk about whether or not running is a good choice for me. if so, I plan to start training for my first 5K! Regardless of what the doctor says about running, my sister-in-law and I will be back for Walk Wisconsin in 2014 - the weekend is blocked off already! Thank you for doing what you do and being a part of my journey!" - Rhonda E.

"The first Walk Wisconsin was held when I was still trying to get energy back after a battle with cancer. My wonderful friend Linda talked me into signing up for the half-marathon. Together we started a training program. At first our walks were fairly short, but we worked up to a fair distance. Still, the day of the walk I was wondering in the back of my mind if I could do it. When I walked up the steps and collected my medal, I felt so many emotions. I walked down those stairs, and the tears started streaming from my eyes as my mind screamed, 'I did it!!' Each time I cross that stage at the finish of the half-marathon, I am taken back to that first one. Walking is a regular part of my life now. And I am happy to say I am 13+ years a cancer survivor!" - Richard E.

Are you willing to accept the challenge? When Jodi Zdun’s mother died of a massive heart attack, she took action and decided to change her life. Zdun decided to participate in the annual Walk Wisconsin and one step at a time she continues to improve her health and move on to the next challenge. Read more about Jodi’s success.