LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Hundreds of people gathered on a sunny morning for Mayor Greg Fischer’s Walk, Bike and Paddle Memorial Day event.
After the Forecastle Festival was held the previous three days at Waterfront Park, Fischer’s active lifestyle-focused event moved this year to a new location on River Road at Louisville Community Boathouse Lawn.
Hundreds of people are gearing up to take part in the Mayor’s Walk, Bike and Paddle event! The races start in a few minutes at 9 a.m. from the Community Boat House on River Road. @WDRBNews pic.twitter.com/3U61ztIwL4
— Grace Hayba (@GraceHayba) May 30, 2022
There were tents set up with route information, air for bike tires and rowing tips. Norton Sports Health also handed out water and sports drinks while reminding attendees how to stay safe and healthy during the event.
The event featured a 13-mile bike ride from the Waterfront Park Boathouse Lawn to Shawnee Park and back, several walking options through Waterfront Park and across the Big Four Bridge, and a paddle route up Beargrass Creek.
It started at 8 a.m. with yoga, Zumba or Tai Chi. The first 2,000 participants received a free t-shirt.
People of all ages were welcomed to the event.
A pair of sisters said they used the race as an opportunity for sibling competition.
“I really want to be one of the first people because last year I was like ‘not my legs, they’re going to fall off’, so I want to be one of the first people,” Elena Grace Ucanshadle told WDRB, followed by her sister saying she wouldn’t beat her.
A 14-year-old from Louisville used the 13-mile bike course to practice for a challenge she’ll be taking on in a few weeks.
“This summer I’m going to be cycling from Key West, Florida to Bloomington, Indiana in three weeks,” Emma Hyman said. “You’re supposed to go about 600 miles if you really want to be prepared because the real ride is about 1,600 miles from there and I like to go out on my bike every day.”
In addition to the hike and bike portions of the event, the paddle portion returned for the first time in several years with a new course.
A Louisville fire truck spraying fog awaited participants crossing the finish line.
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