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KEY EVENT DIRECTOR BREAKS TIES WITH HOOD TO COAST, PLANS TO LAUNCH MAJOR WALKING EVENT
PORTLAND, Ore. - Judy Heller, a long-time veteran of the Hood to Coast relay who has been at the helm of the event's Portland to Coast walk for the past nine years and is widely credited for much of its success, announced today that she is leaving the organization to start a series of walking events, under the new brand name of Wonders of Walking LLC.
Wonders of Walking will create and manage events specifically for walkers, designed by walkers. A well-known walking and fitness expert, Heller plans to launch the first Wonders of Walking event, the two-day "Willamette Valley Relay," in Oregon's historic Willamette Valley next summer.
Initial plans are being formalized for the Willamette Valley Relay, which will be held in July 2004. It will offer both competitive and recreational walking teams the opportunity to travel nearly 140 miles from Champoeg State Park near Newberg to Eugene, using infrequently traveled Oregon country roads. An event Web site will launch in early September at www.wondersofwalking.com, providing additional information about the event and preregistration instructions.
Giving walkers an event where they have a chance to shine is the motivation behind Heller's decision to strike out on her own and establish Wonders of Walking. She sees a growing opportunity for walking events, as people search for activities that provide strong health benefits, yet are easy on joints and muscles. Heller's goal is to establish the first Wonders of Walking event in Oregon, and then expand and host events in other regions throughout the nation. Heller has registered the Wonders of Walking name, unveiled a newly designed event logo and formed a team of experts to help develop and manage the event concept.
"In nearly every event I've ever been involved with, the spotlight has always been on running, with walking as an afterthought," said Heller. "Wonders of Walking will change that. The inaugural Willamette Valley Relay is designed to celebrate walking and give athletes a truly special event that travels through one of the most beautiful, historically rich routes in the state."
Heller believes that Oregon is perfectly suited to launch a relay event that treats walkers as first-class citizens. As one of the leading experts on walking and athletic events, she is in a unique position to know. Her background includes serving as Director of the Portland Marathon Racewalk Division, Director of the Eugene Legend Half Marathon and Director of the Annual Northwest Regional Racewalk Retreats, as well as helping manage many other walking events and activities. As codirector of the Portland to Coast walk relay, she helped grow the event from 67 teams to 400. An expert with fitness certifications and 30 years of clinical experience, Heller is the founder of Ero-Fit & Associates LLC, a company that provides personal training services and coaching.
"My goal is to help get people moving-and to make it fun. Relay walking is a great, challenging way to do that," said Heller. "No other event focuses exclusively on the needs and wants of walkers in the way that the Wonders of Walking events will. The Willamette Valley Relay is a perfect example of that by offering both serious and recreational athletes not only a beautiful route and a great venue, but creative activities along the course."
The 2004 Willamette Valley Relay will be the first Wonders of Walking event. This walk-only relay is specifically created and designed by walkers for walkers of all levels. Wonders of Walking LLC, advocates walking as an avenue for well-being and pleasure.
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