'Walk Ahead' Route is Rich in Beauty and Symbolism

Members of Walk Ahead's organizing team, from left: Survivors Collin June, Sandy Hempel, Chris Knueven and Brian Wiles, and Caregiver Kathy Beechem. Photos by Mayfield Clinic / Cindy Starr.

Organizers for Walk Ahead for a Brain Tumor Cure braved heat and haze on Wednesday to test out the route for the inaugural event scheduled for October 10. All were in agreement: the 5-kilometer walk is consistently beautiful and frequently breathtaking, offering up one postcard view after another. The arresting images were symbolic as well: There was the constancy of the river, the resilience of the bridges, the innovation of the triumphant, 300-ton tiara. 

The walk/run, which benefits research and education programs at the Brain Tumor Center at the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute, will begin at 10 a.m. on 10/10/10 at the World Peace Bell at 4th and York in Newport, Ky.

The route will take walkers and runners past Newport on the Levy restaurants, across the Purple People Bridge, past the Sawyer Point tennis courts, up Riverside Drive, and ultimately to Yeatman’s Cove on the Cincinnati Riverfront. The route is wheelchair-accessible and includes two water stations. A celebration following the walk/run will feature music and refreshments.

The entry fee is $30 online, $25 if paid by check, with no charge for children under 12. Participants are encouraged to form teams and recruit friends and family to support their walk/run efforts. Online registration is open at www.walkaheadforacure.com. 

The event is chaired by Wally Pagan and Christopher Knueven, both brain tumor survivors. Event sponsors include Miller-Valentine Group, US Bank, Mayfield Clinic, Banks Corporation, Southbank Partners and Trauth Dairy, LLC. For information about sponsorships, please contact Gina Weitzel at (513) 558-6112 or gina.weitzel@uc.edu.