[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen the idea was born we said to ourselves, we have been walking for so long and for so many years long distances like from Castries to Canaries to Soufriere, so we figured well let’s just go the whole way. We knew we were fit, but never in our wildest dreams thought we would be able to continue this walk.”
This excerpt came from 72 year old John Michel who is the coordinator of the Northern Long Distance Walking Group.
The Around the Island Walk gets underway February 21 from 6:00 pm and continues through the night and early morning. The starting point is the Massy Supermarket at Cul de Sac. The finishing line is the Sab Sporting Facility where the Independence Day celebrations take place.
Throughout the year several walks take place in St Lucia. While they all have a huge following, undoubtedly the mother of all walks when it comes to degree of difficulty and distance is the Around the Island Walk.
This the sixth year of the event started by Michel and a group of guys who initially began walking not around the island but in his words all over the place. That all changed six years ago when the group decided to put themselves to the test by walking around the island.
Michel recalled that a lot of people considered that an impossible task but a group of about 40 people did it the first time and the rest as they say is history. Year after year the number of participants has increased with 140 taking part last year.
This is no walk in the park and preparation is key to finishing and surviving this grueling, challenging and adventurous walk through different kinds of terrain.
Words to the wise: “You have to wear the right clothing because abrasive clothing can cut and makes things very uncomfortable for you said Michel. “Use a cream or vaseline to reduce friction on sensitive parts of your body. The right foot wear is also essential and it is advisable to bring along an extra pair of shoes. Also there will be water provided along the route but everyone should carry a bottle in their back pack along with snacks like energy bars etc.”
Organizers have gone out of their way to make it a care free walk during the day and night. There will be police out riders, police officers, ambulance and medical team along the route. In addition, all the fire and police stations along the route will facilitate washroom breaks etc. Furthermore, the town of Soufriere will be a pit stop where walkers can recuperate.
Taking a cue from the army’s motto in times of war “no soldier will be left behind,” Michel assured me that no walker will be left behind and there will be people waiting for them no matter what time they complete the walk.
Unlike some walks that end up with participants receive prizes or medals, this particular walk is anything but competitive. The most anyone receives is a certificate of participation but they will tell you walking 89 miles around the island for 19 hours or more is a feat to be proud of.
“Of course we are encouraging everyone to complete the distance but if you can’t there is nothing wrong with that,” said Michel. “Wherever your challenge leads you that’s where you go.”
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