Walktober

Walktober 2023

Join the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) and local partners for a month of walk/move events called Walktober 2023, a celebration of our State’s official exercise and a call to action to promote walking for improved health for residents of all ages and abilities. Find more information about the HCLHIC here.

Please note that the HCLHIC will not be hosting these events, but is promoting partner walk/move events to the community. If you plan to host one or more virtual, in-person or hybrid events and would like us to add it to the Walktober Event page, please complete this form.

If you are interested in collaborating with the organizers of one or more of the events on HoCo’s Walktober page, please reach out to the organizers directly.

Upcoming Events

Week 1 (10/1-10/8)

Sunday, October 1, 7:00am (10480 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD): The Food Market 10K

We are excited to bring you a signature event to kick off Fall racing season! The 10K course is the reincarnation of a beloved Columbia course complete with rolling hills and the legendary climb up Route 108! A celebration will follow at The Food Market, complete with delicious food and beverages curated by Chef Chad Gauss. The beneficiary of this community race is Howard County General Hospital, where $5 from each registration will go directly to the Howard Hospital Foundation. Funding from the Howard Hospital Foundation supports a variety of projects and programs. Visit The Food Market 10K registration page to sign-up!

Sunday, October 1, 11:00am (Color Burst Park): BikeAround Downtown Block Party

Here's a chance to hop on your bike and enjoy a relaxing ride along the trails and pathways of Downtown Columbia and Oakland Mills. This just over six mile course is perfect for the family or novice cyclists as well as those of you with more miles under your wheels.

Join us as we celebrate our Fall 2023 BikeAround Downtown Columbia weekend with a Block Party on Sunday, October 1st in the Merriweather District from 11-1. You can ride the course to or from the Block Party, but it will be open and marked from Saturday the 23rd at 9:00 AM until Sunday the 1st at 6:00 PM.

New this year - On Sunday at 11:00, there will be a family ride led by none other than Priscilla the Bike Dog and her human.

Find more information and register on the event website.

Monday, October 2, 9:00am-10:00am (Lake Elkhorn Dock): Monday Morning Meanderings

Group walk around Lake Elkhorn to start your week out on the right foot from the The Village in Howard. Meet at the dock off Dockside Road off Cradlerock Lane across from McDonald’s. (Dock for Lake Elkhorn). Visit the Village in Howard website for more information.

Monday, October 2, 9:30am-10:30am (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD): Walking with East Columbia Branch Library and 50+ Center

Walking is a great way to get some activity into your routine. Let’s get up and walk together. Come and walk around East Columbia Library. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Meet outside in the front walkway at the East Columbia Branch Library. If inclement weather, walking will take place inside East Columbia Branch Library. Call 410-313-7700 for more information.

Monday, October 2, 9:30am (East Columbia 50+ Center): Walking Wonderland

Join in Active Aging week activities and programs at the East Columbia 50+ Center! Partnering this year with Parents as Teachers. Enter the Walking Wonderland with four Fitness Challenges. Each one you complete earns an entry to WIN a Fabulous Fall Themed Basket of Goodies.

Tuesday, October 3, 11:00am-2:00pm (Blandair Regional Park North Area): Encore Showcase (55+)

It’s Active Aging Week at Howard County Recreation and Parks. Come celebrate with free activities geared toward keeping your mind and body active! Enjoy mini fitness sessions, quick art projects, trivia, and giveaways. You’ll also have a chance to try your hand at bocce, croquet and archery. Preregistration is not required but is recommended for event updates. Please visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/encoreshowcase. Rain date is October 5.

Wednesday, October 4, 8:30am (Running Brook Elementary): Walk and Bike to School Day

Running Brook Elementary School invites our neighbors to join students and families for Walk and Bike to School Day. We have five walking routes that our neighbors are welcome to join.

Good Hours Place/West Running Brook Rd.- Meet at 8:45am and walk along West Running Brook Road to the school.
Forsgate/Columbia Rd. (across from entrance to Fairway Hills Golf Course)- Meet at 8:15am and walk along the east side of Columbia Road, crossing over Columbia Road using the pedestrian bridge by 7-Eleven.
April Journey/Columbia Rd.- Meet at 8:45am and walk along the west side of Columbia Road and up to the school.
Vantage Point Rd. traffic circle- Meet at 8:40am and walk down Vantage Point Road, cross Little Patuxent Road and continue straight on West Running Brook Rd. to the school.
Wilde Lake Boat House (Hyla Brook Rd.)- Meet at 8:50am and walk down Hyla Brook Road, turn up Wild Flower Terrace, and continue to West Running Brook Rd. to the school.

Wednesday, October 4, 9:00am-11:00am (Elkridge 50+ Center): Walk with a Cop on Walk Maryland Day

Join in Active Aging week activities and programs at the Elkridge 50+ Center! Contact your 50+ Center for more details or visit the website to access the 50+ Centers newsletters.

Thursday, October 5, 9:45am-10:15am (North Laurel 50+ Center): Morning Stroll

Join in Active Aging week activities and programs at the North Laurel 50+ Center! Contact your 50+ Center for more details or visit the website to access the 50+ Centers newsletters.

Thursday, October 5, 10:00am (Kendall Ridge Pool): Walktober in Long Reach

Did you know that walking is our official state exercise in Maryland? Join your neighbors in Long Reach to celebrate Walktober, a statewide initiative to promote walking and all of its health and wellbeing benefits. This is one of the best times of the year to appreciate how much beautiful space we have in our community. Our special guests will guide you on a one-hour walk in three different neighborhoods in Long Reach: meet at the Kendall Ridge Pool for a walk with a member of Long Reach CARES (Community Action and Resources for Environmental Stewardship). For more information, email lrcaevents@longreach.org

Thursday, October 5, 6:00pm (5305 Village Center Dr., Columbia, MD): Fun Run with Feet First Sports

Join us at Feet First Sports for a relaxed, sociable paced fun run! Choose your distance (2, 3, 4, or 6 miles) and meet some new folks to run weekly with! Bring your own water/hydration and enjoy snacks and conversations after you break a sweat! Visit the Fun Runs & Events page for more information!

Saturday, October 7, 9:00am (Centennial Park): Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

Each year, the Howard County Autism Society’s Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run brings together those touched by autism and members of the broader community in a supportive, energizing, fun environment. Join us! Together we are #AutismStrongMD. Visit the Autism Walk & 5K Run registration page to sign-up!

Saturday, October 7,12:00pm-4:00pm (North Laurel Community Center): Fall Festival

Come enjoy an afternoon full of music, games, entertainment, food trucks, and more. This outdoor family-friendly event has something for everyone. Hosted by Howard County Recreation and Parks. Visit the website for more information.

Sunday, October 8, 7:30am-11:00am (HCC Quad): Howard Community College 5K Challenge Race

Participate in the Howard Community College 5K Challenge Race to raise funds for student scholarships at HCC. Start and finish the race in the celebration village on HCC's beautiful Columbia campus. The unique course spans the campus with obstacles to test your strength, coordination and endurance. Each participant will be timed and combined with their team to compete for best time in each industry and overall champion. Visit the HCC website for registration information.

Week 2 (10/9-10/15)

Monday, October 9, 9:00am-10:00am (Lake Elkhorn Dock): Monday Morning Meanderings

Monday, October 9, 9:30am-10:30am (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD): Walking with East Columbia Branch and 50+ Center

Tuesday, October 10, 10:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi): Neighbor Walk

Join Neighbor Ride staff, volunteers and your neighbors for some laps around Lake Kittamaqundi. Enjoy some stories from the "roads" of Howard County! Meet up in front of the lakefront fountain. For more information, email community@neighborride.org.

Tuesday, October 10, 10:00am (Monarch Mills Apartments): Let's Walk and Move at Monarch Mills

Meet and greet with neighbors and friends while walking around the community to get your joints moving. This event is for Monarch Mills residents only. Contact for any questions: Ivory Hutchins email: Monarchmillsrsc@hrehllc.com

Thursday, October 12, 10:00am (Jeffers Hill Neighborhood Center): Walktober in Long Reach

Did you know that walking is our official state exercise in Maryland? Join your neighbors in Long Reach to celebrate Walktober, a statewide initiative to promote walking and all of its health and wellbeing benefits. This is one of the best times of the year to appreciate how much beautiful space we have in our community. Our special guests will guide you on a one-hour walk in three different neighborhoods in Long Reach: meet at Jeffers Hill Neighborhood Center for a walk with Long Reach Village staff. For more information, email lrcaevents@longreach.org

Thursday, October 12, 6:00pm (5305 Village Center Dr., Columbia, MD): Fun Run with Feet First Sports

Saturday, October 14, 1:00pm (Long Reach): Move Along CA's Pathways

We will move along Columbia Association pathways, enjoying the October weather, visiting and learning about pollinator gardens managed by CFIN (A Community of Families in Nature), stopping by a tot-lot or two and getting to know other community members in the fresh air! CFIN is a program of the Community Ecology Institute. Registration required. Visit the CFIN website to learn more.

Saturday, October 14, 2:00pm-4:00pm (Centennial Park South): Pet Parade - Halloween Costume Contest for Pets

Dress up your furry, feathered or scaled family members and show them off at Centennial Park South. Pets judged on fashion/costume, presentation, behavior, and use of props. Extra points for special skills or tricks. Pets must be on leash or otherwise contained and non-aggressive. Winners receive gift cards or prizes. Register online at www.HowardCountyMD.gov/pet-parade.

Sunday, October 15, 10:30am-12:00pm (Robinson Nature Center): Sensory Friendly Sunday

This event is designed for families with kids, teens, and adults with sensory-processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. Robinson Nature Center exhibits, trails and outdoor play area open early. Enjoy self-paced activities including sensory bins and pathways, scavenger hunts, crafts, or games. Planetarium open between 11am and noon. Preregistration recommended. Info: 410-313-0400, www.howardcountymd.gov/RobinsonNatureCenter.

Week 3 (10/16-10/22)

Monday, October 16, 9:00am-10:00am (Lake Elkhorn Dock): Monday Morning Meanderings

Monday, October 16, 9:30am-10:30am (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD): Walking with East Columbia Branch and 50+ Center

Tuesday, October 17, 9:30am (Ellicott City 50+ Center): Cycle2Health Casual Ride

Relatively easy ride on bike paths and residential streets. The ride is 7.4 miles with elevation gain of +350ft. Approximately 3 miles are on paved pathways, which includes a 1 mile ride thru woods along the Little Patuxent River. The ride along Frederick Rd is on a sidewalk. The ride is at a slow pace with many stops for regrouping and catching one’s breath. There are a number of experienced riders to help those first-time riders with C2H. And NO ONE is ever LEFT BEHIND. Please park in the back lot next to the 50+ center. Visit the Cycle2Health website for more information.

Cue sheet: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44388415

Ride Leader: Jeff Friedhoffer, 410-997-5366 / 410-218-1416

Tuesday, October 17, 10:00am (Ellicott City 50+ Center): Walk with Ellicott City 50+ Center

Join in Active Aging week activities and programs at the Ellicott City 50+ Center! Come celebrate our state’s official exercise of walking for physical activity and improved health for all ages and abilities. Pat Galante will lead the walk.

Tuesday, October 17, 10:00am (Monarch Mills Apartments): Let's Walk and Move at Monarch Mills

Thursday, October 12, 10:00am (Jackson Pond): Walktober in Long Reach

Did you know that walking is our official state exercise in Maryland? Join your neighbors in Long Reach to celebrate Walktober, a statewide initiative to promote walking and all of its health and wellbeing benefits. This is one of the best times of the year to appreciate how much beautiful space we have in our community. Our special guests will guide you on a one-hour walk in three different neighborhoods in Long Reach: meet at Jackson Pond for a walk with John McCoy, CA Watershed Manager. For more information, email lrcaevents@longreach.org

Thursday, October 19, 11:00am-12:00pm (Bain 50+ Center): Walk Around Cedar Lane Park

Join in Active Aging week activities and programs at the Bain 50+ Center! There will be 2 guided groups to accommodate all fitness levels. Contact your 50+ Center for more details or visit the website to access the 50+ Centers newsletters.

Thursday, October 19, 6:00pm (5305 Village Center Dr., Columbia, MD): Fun Run with Feet First Sports

Saturday, October 21, 9:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi, Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD): Walk with a Doc

Walk with a Doc is a free walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance. Meet under the People Tree sculpture (brick area near fountain and Bailey Park). Visit the Walk with a Doc page for more information.

Saturday, October 21, 1:00pm (Stevens Forest): Move Along CA's Pathways

Sunday, October 22, 8:00am-10:00am (Baldwin Hall): Savage 7K Run and 1-Mile Historic Walk

Built of stone from the Little Patuxent River, Carroll Baldwin Hall has been serving as Savage, Maryland’s community center for a century. Funds from each year’s race help restore and maintain this historic gem. Please come for an autumn run or walk, and enjoy music and homemade baked goods afterward! 7K Run begins at Baldwin Hall and runs past Savage Mill, then through Savage Park and surrounding neighborhood before returning to the Hall. 1-Mile Walk is a guided tour through historic Savage. Register online at http://www.bullseyerunning.com/event/savage-7k-3/.

Sunday, October 22, 10:00am-4:00pm (Meadowbrook Athletic Complex): Backpacks and Fades Community Event

Join Howard County Recreation and Parks at our first Backpacks and Fades event! Professional barbers and hair stylists will be on-site to style and cut children’s hair. You will also receive backpacks, school supplies and more. Outdoor event, rain or shine. Supplies are limited, preregistration is strongly encouraged. Visit the event webpage for more information.

Sunday, October 22, 2:00pm (Downtown Columbia): Downtown Columbia Culinary Walking Tour

Footsteps to food and fun in Downtown Columbia. A perfect way to celebrate Walktober and find your next favorite eats. Join us for our 3rd Annual Culinary Walking Tour of Downtown Columbia. Participating restaurants include: Clove & Cardamom, Cured, Seasons 52, The Collective Offshore, The 3rd, and more.

Two ticket levels -- Nibbles (all ages), and Nibbles & Drink Pairings (21+). Participants receive a Walkabout Card that they take via one of two routes to the featured restaurants to receive their nibbles and drink specials.
This is a walking event. Get your steps in and get your snack on. Please be prepared to walk all around Downtown Columbia, from restaurant to restaurant. Depending on the route you take, the total distance covered will be 2.5-3.2 miles and could be an hour or more of time spent walking. For more information and to register, visit the event website.

Week 4 (10/23-10/31)

Monday, October 23, 9:00am-10:00am (Lake Elkhorn Dock): Monday Morning Meanderings

Monday, October 23, 9:30am-10:30am (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD): Walking with East Columbia Branch and 50+ Center

Tuesday, October 24, 10:00am (Lake Kittamaqundi): Neighbor Walk

Tuesday, October 24, 10:00am (Monarch Mills Apartments): Let's Walk and Move at Monarch Mills

Thursday, October 26, 6:00pm (5305 Village Center Dr., Columbia, MD): Fun Run with Feet First Sports

Saturday, October 28, 3:00pm-6:00pm (Columbia Sports Park, Harper's Choice Village Center): 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat

The Columbia Association is hosting their 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat community gathering at Columbia Sports Park located in the Harper’s Choice Village. This is a fun and free event that is open to all. Children and families get to walk around in a safe environment in their costumes, get candy and have a great time! For more information, contact Robin Stimson at robin.stimson@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

Monday, October 30, 9:00am-10:00am (Lake Elkhorn Dock): Monday Morning Meanderings

Monday, October 30, 9:30am-10:30am (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD): Walking with East Columbia Branch and 50+ Center

Tuesday, October 31, 10:00am (Monarch Mills Apartments): Let's Walk and Move at Monarch Mills

1-Mile Howard County Park Walking & Moving Maps

Cedar Lane-West
Centennial Park
High Ridge Park
Meadowbrook Park
North Laurel Park
Robinson Nature Center
Rockburn Branch Park
Schooley Mill Park
Warfield Pond Park
Western Regional Park
Wilde Lake Park

* Created by HCHD in collaboration with HC Dept. of Recreation and Parks in August 2021

Columbia Association Pathways

Take advantage of Columbia Association's pathways during the month of Walktober (October 2023): All month long, the community is encouraged to explore over 95 miles of pathways. You can access more than 170 tot lots, nearly 300 footbridges, three lakes and more. Whether you walk, bike, jog or roll, CA's pathways are open to everyone! So what are you waiting for? Walk. Breathe. Explore.

HCLHIC Physical Activity Resources