Until a couple of years ago, the Mini Marathon application form did not even acknowledge walkers as participants. 5K races often gave out very few awards to walkers. Walking was not considered a real athletic activity by many people. Walking has experienced a phenomenal growth rate in the past 10 years or so. Shoe companies offer a dizzying variety of walking shoes.
Some marathons now have a race walking category.
Hundreds of residents took up walking as a result. Health professionals are very happy about the new fitness trend in the city. Times are also changing for the better in Indianapolis. The Indy Runners Mini training program offers 4 different walking groups and this year a third of all people registered are walkers. Other Mini training groups for walkers are springing up all over town these days.