At long last: A guilt-free way to shop.
Well, almost. The Walk the Distance mall walk won`t pay off your credit cards, but it is an opportunity to do something good for yourself. And because it benefits the Chicago Lung Association, it`s an opportunity to do something good for others too.
The 3- and 5-mile walking routes are designed to demonstrate the importance of healthy lungs, spokeswoman Janet Williams says. Because this is a walking event, there`s no need to train months in advance. ”It`s something everyone can do,” Williams says. ”A lot of events are for athletes and athlete wanna-be`s. But this is for the shopper in all of us.”
It`s also a sure-fire way to beat the crowds. The walk starts as early as 7:30 a.m. at two of the three participating Chicagoland malls, well before the shops open. For a $5 registration fee, you get display-window scenery along the way and complimentary breakfast at the end. Walkers are encouraged to find sponsors, however. A $25 fund-raising minimum entitles you to an official Walk the Distance T-shirt. And afterward, you`re welcome to shop till you drop.
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The Walk the Distance mall walk kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Chicago Ridge Mall, 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue, Chicago Ridge; at Orland Square, U.S. Highway 45 and 151st Street, Orland Park; and at 10 a.m. at 1800 Clybourn, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. $5. For information, call 312-243-2000.
