The first “1000 Mile BikeWalk for Prevention” will be held Saturday, August 22 at Morristown Landing Events Center, located at 4355 Durham Landing in Morristown. This event is a fundraiser for the Hamblen County Substance Abuse Coalition and its prevention programs.

This inaugural regional event will be a fun and healthy, maybe challenging, experience for teens, adults and families who like to bike/eBike, walk/run, skateboard, walk the dog, etc., and want to share their active lifestyle with others while helping a good cause.

Registration for the 1000 Miler is now open for all BikeWalk routes, as well as teams and virtual BikeWalkers. Early registrants, groups and teams can save 30%, get free T-shirts and more.

About the event

The 1000 Mile BikeWalk for Prevention to be held August 22 is a regional event for kids, teens, adults and the whole family to enjoy a fun and healthy morning while helping a good cause. Not a timed race, the 1000 Miler will record the distances traveled by every runner and rider to reach the cumulative goal of 1000 miles.

Separate biking and walking circuits of about 5 miles and 1 mile, respectively, over closed roadways, plus a sidewalk-only kiddie route. No route parallels or crosses a busy street. Prizes will be awarded in each of several classifications for the greatest distance travelled during the several hour event.

Teams that fundraise independently are encouraged and will be awarded bonus mileage based on their donations to the event on or before event day. Registered virtual BikeWalkers may sleep in and still participate in the event by registering online.

BikeWalk Morristown, TN — the organization — was founded to support those who like to bike, e-Bike, walk, run, etc. and want to share their active lifestyle with others. The 1000 Mile BikeWalk for Prevention — the event — will raise funds for the Hamblen County Substance Abuse Coalition, because research has shown that when people, especially teens, immerse themselves in activities they truly enjoy, there is less tendency to turn to dangerous substances. That’s why the Coalition is involved.

Pricing

The Biking Challenge and Fun Ride will be held from 9 to noon and costs $32.80 per rider, including a $2.80 event fee. The Walking/ Running Challenge/Fun Walk is also $32.80 per participant and includes a $2.80 event fee. Virtual BikeWalkers may participate for $27.50, including a $2.50 event fee. Please note that prices will increase August 1.The Kiddie BikeWalk is always free of charge.

Partners, sponsors, volunteers, vendors and exhibitors are welcome and needed for the event. More information on the BikeWalk is at info@bikewalkMT.org or call 865789-7448.

The 1000 Miler is a Healthy Living, Bright Futures Initiative of Hamblen County Substance Abuse Coalition.

BikeWalk Morristown Founder John Atkins discussed the upcoming event.

“Confirmed research has shown that involving people, especially teens, in activities they truly enjoy, reduces the tendency to turn to dangerous substances,” Atkins said. “HCSAC gets that.”

BikeWalk Morristown, TN is producing the 1000 Miler as a fund raiser with proceeds going to HCSAC prevention programs. Participants may register now at 1000 Mile Bike-Walk for Prevention (bikesignup. com).

Check-in time is at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 26. For more information go to “1000 Mike BikeWalk for Prevention” online; via email at info@bikewalkmt.org; “BikeWalk Morristown, TN” on Facebook; or contact Atkins at 865-789-7448; or via email at jatkins@bikewalkmt. org.

Non-profit BikeWalk organizations exist in cities across the nation — six already in Tennessee. All are independent, but share common goals: to promote health living and advocate for safer, more democratic use of streets… and lots of fun.