Las Cruces is set to bring the community together with a series of walks designed to promote health and showcase the local area. Scheduled for May 3, locals and visitors can join America's largest walking club for a Downtown stroll, part of a bigger, 5-day walking festival, according to the City of Las Cruces.
There's a kernel of truth to the benefits of walking, and America’s Walking Club aims to prove it with a celebratory community walk. Adults can partake in either a 3K or 5K walk starting from Visit Las Cruces at a minimal fee of $4, while children 12 and under walk free of charge, a signifier for the inclusivity that the event aims to encapsulate. The finale walk, which starts at 9 a.m., is positioned as a stretch of camaraderie along the corridors of the Historic Mesquite Street District. As detailed by the City of Las Cruces, there's more to it than just a trek; it culminates a 5-day nationwide gathering that commences on April 29.
This extensive walking festival is listed as the 23rd AVA: America’s Walking Club Biennial Convention and Walking Festival, offering a buffet of routes like the international walk between El Paso and Juarez and jaunts through historical landmarks. From the city's streets to White Sands National Park or the Mesilla Valley, the non-competitive nature of these walks allows participants to breathe in scenery at their own pace. Walkers with disabilities have also been considered, with most events being accessible, reinforcing the club’s mission, "providing fun-filled, safe exercise in a stress-free environment."
Alongside the physical activity, the festival curates cultural immersion, featuring bike and swim events, and ears to the ground with local historians leading workshops. Moreover, the Las Cruces Convention Center serves as a nucleus for all meetings and activities, setting the stage for new and old members to find common ground. For those wanting to lace up, registration and payment details can be found by visiting the convention center or browsing their official portal for comprehensive insight on what's to come.
