A big change is coming to the AIDS Walk Philly this fall.
The event, traditionally a 12K (8-mile) walk, will now be cut shorter to a 5K (3-mile) walk.
Robb Reichard, executive director of AIDS Fund, the event host, said the organization had been looking into shortening the walk for some time, based on comments from participants.
“It has been something we have been chatting about for a while,” he said. “Based on feedback from walkers over the years, the number-one thing is that the walk is too long, so we wanted to take that feedback, look at it and consider it carefully.”
The walk last year raised about $300,000, which AIDS Fund uses to distribute to dozens of HIV/AIDS research and prevention causes in the Delaware Valley.
Reichard said he does not think the shortening of the walk will have a negative effect on fundraising or participation. Instead, he said, it could be a boon.
“We are hoping that people who felt it was too long or couldn’t do it will now feel like they will come out and participate. That would be my hope,” he said.
Reichard said the running portion of the event will continue as a 3-mile course and will start before the walk.
Although the organization is still in the planning process for the Philly AIDS Walk, Reichard does not expect any other major changes this year.
This year’s AIDS Walk Philly will be held Oct. 19. For more information, visit www.aidswalkphilly.org.