Jonathan Nicholas August 29th column

WALK DON'T RUN
Judy Heller is tired of all those organized runs that spawn walks as add-ons for second-class citizens. "I wanted to do something," she says, "by walkers, for walkers."

No sooner had Heller wrapped her ninth year co-directing the walking component of Hood to Coast than she resigned that role to launch a venture she calls Wonders of Walking.

Her first event, a relay designed to foster the kind of camaraderie that is the hallmark of Hood to Coast, will be a two-day walk, called the "Willamette Valley Relay," next July. Think 140 miles along quiet back roads from Champoeg Park to Eugene. Heller hopes for 150 teams of 8 to 12 walkers. If it works, she hopes to develop a series of events throughout the nation. Jonathan Nicholas: 503-221-8533; JPNicholas@aol.com