The UltraLadies Presents the Weight Watchers® Walk-It Day 5K

6300 Balboa Blvd.
Encino, CA US 91316

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Questions?

PLEASE NOTE THAT NEWLY UPDATED INFORMATION IS HIGHLIGHTED IN BOLD TEXT

Q: What if it rains on event day?

A: The 5K walk will happen "rain or shine".  In the event of rain, the Pot Luck Picnic may be cancelled.

Q: What is the Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge and the Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K?

A: The Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge, held between April 3 and May 21, 2011, encourages Weight Watchers members, family and friends to walk on a regular basis and ultimately walk 5K on Weight Watchers Walk-It Day, May 22, 2011 in either one of over 50 official Weight Watchers 5K events hosted by the RRCA or one of their choosing. Your official Walk-It Day 5K for the San Fernando Valley Greater Los Angeles Area is at Lake Balboa Park, Encino, CA.

Q: Why should I participate in an “official” Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K event?

A: Accomplishing a goal should be celebrated!  By participating in an official Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K event you will have the opportunity to share the excitement of your accomplishment with other walkers.  Along with the camaraderie of other participants you will experience a well-organized and safe walking event hosted by experienced Road Runners Club of America race organizers.

Q: Why is there a fee to participate in an “official” Walk-It Day 5K event?

A: Fees for participating in a road race or walk cover the many costs of producing the event.  Costs may include supplies, refreshments, insurance, police, barricades, signs, permits, bib numbers, finisher’s premium, etc.  These fees and costs are customary for road races and walks.  Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K participants will receive a bib number to pin to their shirt as well as a customized event shirt.  All participants will receive a customized participant medal.  Please Note:  Entry for the Weight watchers Walk-It Day 5K in Lake Balboa Park will be by pre-registration only; there will be no event day registration.  Please note that event fees are non-refundable after May 1, 2011.

Q: What does my event registration include?

A: Your event registration includes an official event shirt and a beautiful finisher medal!  Event shirts will be ordered on May 2.  All registrations received before 11:59 pm on May 1 will be guaranteed an official Walk-It Day shirt and customized participant medal.  Shirts and medals will not be guaranteed to those who register after May 1.

Q: What is the schedule of events on May 22?

A:  The times are as follows:

• 7:00am to 7:55am = Bib pick up 
  
• 8:00am = Walk-It 5K Start
• To follow = Potluck Picnic

Q: Should I train for this event?

A: The UltraLadies have scheduled a few organized training walks to be held at Balboa Municipal Golf Course, 16821 Burbank Blvd - Encino, CA 91436.  Enter the parking lot from Burbank Blvd; turn right and drive to the end of the parking lot.  We will meet at 8:00 am and have a brief warm up before heading out to walk.  All training walks are "out-and-back" so you will be encouraged to walk for time rather than mileage, increasing your time each week. Participants should wear appropriate attire and shoes and bring a water bottle. Training walks will be held on the following dates:

·         Saturday, April 16
·         Saturday, April 23
·         Saturday, April 30
·         Saturday, May 7
·         Saturday, May 14

Q: Can I run in the Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K event?

A: Yes!  But since these are non-competitive walking events you may not receive an official finishing time when you cross the finish line. Participants who plan to run should start at the front of the group.  All participants will receive a customized walking participant medal; there will be no running medals.

Q: Can my friends come to the Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K to support me

A: Yes!  Friends and loved ones are welcome to cheer from the sidelines and watch you cross the finish line.  Volunteers are welcome as well and are encouraged to email walkitday@yahoo.com to inquire about volunteer opportunities.  The Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K is also open to the public so your friends and family may enter too!

Q: What should expect when I arrive at the Weight Watchers Walk-It Day event?

A: Plan to arrive to the Walk-It 5k about an hour before the start time to allow for parking and time to check in. You may feel a little nervous if this is the first time you are participating in an organized walking event so allow ample time to park and prepare for your walk.  Upon arrival you will most likely report to the volunteer desk to receive your participant bib number along with safety pins to affix the bib to the front of your shirt.  Bring your pot-luck dish to the volunteer area where it will be kept for you.  Leave yourself time to visit the bathroom and meet up with your training buddies. Please bring a plastic water bottle to carry during the walk.

Q: What is proper walking etiquette?

A: Approximately 5 minutes before the walk is about to begin you will be asked to line up at the starting line.  If you plan to run the 5K, line up closer to the starting line and slower walkers should line up toward the back of the crowd.  You will be walking on a groomed trail so do not walk more than two abreast and always give way to a faster walker approaching from behind.  If you are approaching a group of slower walkers announce loudly “passing on your left!” then overtake the slower walkers. The walking course will be "out-and-back" so stay toward the right side of the course to allow room for returning walkers. There will be one water station on the course at mile 1.5. You should plan to carry a water bottle during the walk so you can drink as you need to.  You will be able to re-fill your bottle at the water station.  Always follow the instructions of volunteers especially when crossing an intersection, and thank them for volunteering their time.   They are there for your safety and enjoyment of the course.

Q: Are dogs allowed?

A: Dogs will not be allowed at the event per our permit requirements.

Q: Can I push my kid in a baby jogger?

A: Baby joggers are allowed but are required to remain at the back of the group to avoid tripping other participants. Baby joggers are allowed for walkers only; those who plan to run the course may not push a jogger.

Q: Can I wear my i-pod?

A: RRCA discourages the wearing of earbud/earphones at their events.  To maintain the safety of participation, please do not use these devices during the walk.

Q: Now that I’ve successfully completed the Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge and the Walk-It Day 5K, what’s next?

A: The New Basin Blues Running Club is the perfect place for walkers and runners to meet.  Walkers/runners of all abilities are welcome.  Check out www.newbasinblues.org.  If you are interested in trail running or trail hiking, contact the UltraLadies by email at ultraladies@yahoo.com.

Click here to find a list of RRCA clubs nationwide, http://www.rrca.org/find-a-running-club/. 

Q: Still have questions about the Walk-It Day 5K?

A: For questions concerning your local Walk-It Day 5K event contact the event organizers by email walkitday@yahoo.com.

Please note that event day registration is not available; Online registration will close at midnight on May 21, 2011.

A pot-luck picnic will follow the walk. What a great way to celebrate your accomplishment and find some new walking partners!  Please bring a healthy pot-luck dish to share and a serving spoon. You might want to bring a folding chair or picnic blanket.

You are invited to join your fellow Weight Watchers to train for this event:

Training walks will be held on the following dates:

•        Saturday, April 30

•        Saturday, May 7

•        Saturday, May 14

•        Sunday, May 22 (Walk-It 5K Challenge @ Lake Balboa)

Training Locations:

Balboa Municipal Golf Course

16821 Burbank Blvd.

Encino, CA 91436. 

Enter the parking lot from Burbank Blvd; turn right and drive to the end of the parking lot. 

We will meet at 8:30 a.m. Fleet Feet Sports Encino will be there to lead a short warm-up and walking will start at 8:45 a.m. These are friendly, non-competitive training walks.  Participants should wear appropriate attire and shoes and bring a water bottle.

Our Friends and Sponsors, Fleet Feet Sports Encino, conduct Thursday evening group runs that are open to walkers!  Please contact Trey or Amanda at the store for more information if you would like to attend:  (818) 986-8686.

We are proud to introduce Fleet Feet Sports Encino as official Sponsor of the UltraLadies Weight Watchers Walk-It Day 5K.  Trey and the gang have been coming out to lead a warm-up before each training walk on Saturday morning at Balboa Golf Course.

Fleet Feet Sports Encino is the perfect place to find your perfect fit, from shoes to bras and everything in-between.  Tell them you are a Weight Watcher 5K Walker to receive a $10 store buck toward your purchase!  Fleet Feet Sports Encino is located at 16545 Ventura Blvd. Encino  CA, 91436 and their website is :  www.fleetfeetencino.com.