LOUISVILLE (May 22, 2020) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced a first-of-its-kind Virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle in place of the traditional event that draws thousands of cyclists, paddlers, walkers and fitness fanatics to Waterfront Park twice a year.
“Although COVID-19 prevents us from gathering by the thousands for Hike, Bike and Paddle, we still want to celebrate with each other, and focus on great family exercise and fun,” said Mayor Fischer. “So instead of bringing thousands to Waterfront Park for one day, our Virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle will take place over our entire city over the course of about four weeks.”
The Virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle starts Memorial Day weekend and runs through June 20, 2020. Over those four weeks, participants are asked to complete a healthy lifestyle activity and upload pictures of themselves running, jogging, hiking, biking, paddling, or any exercise while still practicing good social distancing. That includes other activities that have traditionally been part of Hike, Bike and Paddle, like Tai Chi, Yoga and Zumba.
Participants can share pictures of themselves exercising from home, in different neighborhoods or from one of the city’s great parks, and some of those will be shared on social media.
All participants will be eligible to win a special edition Virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle T-shirt that includes a safety stripe for better visibility.
Additionally, there will be a coupon giveaway for two bottles of PowerAde Ultra from Coca-Cola and redeemable at Valu Market. Quantities are limited for both T-shirts and coupons and will be given away via random drawings. All winners will be notified by email and shirts will be available for pick up at a designated location following the June 20 completion of the virtual event.
Participants can register at virtualhbp2020.org. Registration is quick and easy; be sure to include your T-shirt size.
“Though we cannot gather and exercise as a community right now, we can still – and should – exercise on our own, and share our stories and pictures, and inspire and challenge each other just like we do every time at Hike, Bike and Paddle,” said the Mayor.
The Mayor’s Virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle would not be possible without the generous support from sponsors Coca-Cola Consolidated and Norton Sports Health.
“We are honored to be a sponsor of the Mayor’s Virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle,” said Audie Wilson, sr. director of retail sales for Coca-Cola Consolidated. “What a great way for families and the Louisville community to have fun and enjoy some outdoor time during these challenging times.”
“Norton Healthcare is pleased to once again sponsor the Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle. As a nationally recognized healthiest employer, we are committed to providing a culture of health and wellness within our organization and throughout the community,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “Though this year’s event looks much different, we encourage everyone to live a healthy lifestyle and get outside safely as the weather warms up to go for a walk, run or bike ride while taking in the beautiful scenery of our great city and state.”
Karl F. Schmitt Jr., president and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission, joined the Mayor during his announcement today and said the Virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle is a great complement to the Sports Commissions’ efforts to promote staying active while practicing good social distancing.
“Our team at the Sports Commission believes we can help improve health and wellness for everyone by promoting a culture of active lifestyles, and participating in the Mayor’s virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle is a perfect opportunity for people to incorporate a wide variety of movement activities into their lives,” said Schmitt Jr. “In fact, we recently launched the Louisville Active Facebook page that includes the Active Social Distancing Challenge group to create a sense of community where people can share what they are doing to stay active and to challenge others to do the same.”
Additional support for the event is provided by James Newman and his team at Valu Market, and media partners WLKY, 106.9 Play and Outfront Media.
To register for the Virtual Hike, Bike and Paddle, visit www.virtualhbp2020.org.
