No running was allowed in Saturday's event, and neither was competition.
Walk Indiana brought people together as a step in reshaping the health of its participants. Walkers could do a full, half or quarter marathon along the Cardinal and White River greenways.
There were about 450 walkers and more than 100 volunteers that assisted with the event, and all proceed benefited the Cardinal Greenway.
The volunteers helped by stuffing bags, watching rest areas and setting up and taking down mile markers. Laura Gregory was the volunteer coordinator for Walk Indiana on Saturday.
"It wasn't about numbers than to fill the positions," Gregory said as she waited for a couple of walkers to reach the finish line. "I probably spent three months trying to get volunteers together."
The goal of Walk Indiana, according to its website, was to kick start Muncie residents on a walking regimen so they can enjoy a life free of aches and pains. A training schedule was provided to help participants work their way up to the walking distance of their choice.
Gregory, who works at Ivy Tech and organizes volunteer work for many other events, said she was happy with the relationships she formed through Walk Indiana.
"It was fun; it was awesome. I loved meeting all the folks I hadn't known," she said. "All the friendships I've made were incredible. We have an awesome group of folks who come together for these events."
At about 1 p.m., walkers from the full marathon finished the walk and received their medallions with smiles and energy.
Joyce Peterson, who has two sons that attended Ball State, said she enjoyed laughing and eating with the other walkers at the event.
"We always try to stay involved with the school and the community," Peterson said. "We do a couple events a year to try and give support. It was very organized and very delicious food."
Walk Indiana took more than a year to be planned. Financial support came from the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology, which had a representative at the event who talked about the institute's goals to help the community with its health and handed out pamphlets.
The organizers were prepared for any medical emergencies, with an ambulance stationed and police officers who blocked off the road for the walkers.
Entertainment and refreshments were provided. A disc jockey was stationed next to the finish line, blasting music for the walkers. Food and drinks were set up with picnic tables under a tent to protect the walkers from the sun and to allow them to regain energy after their marathons.
Lisa Nellessen-Lara, executive editor of the Muncie Star Press, which co-sponsored the walk, has worked with Walk Wisconsin, which has been going on for six years and was the underlying idea behind Walk Indiana.
"They had 2,600 for their last walk, and we are going to get there," she said.
For more information on the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology, visit bsu.edu/wellness.
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