Get Ready To Walk, Mission Viejo — Walk Against Drugs Returns

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Get your walking shoes on, Mission Viejo. The 33rd annual Walk Against Drugs is slotted to return Saturday and is designed to educate and empower community members to live a drug-free life — and give residents the chance to win some pretty cool prizes.

This year's Walk Against Drugs features some new changes. For instance, the walking trail starting at the Norman P. Murray Community Center will be studded with QR code stations. Residents are encouraged to use their phones to capture the QR code and watch a prepared educational video. According to the city, every video viewed gives folks a chance to win prizes like Chromebooks, iPads, AirPods, Beats headphones and monetary gift cards.

The videos include some notable people, including Olympian Michael Chang and actress Kayden Tokarski, who is serving as keynote speaker, among others.

Read More: Mission Viejo Introduces QR Codes To Annual Walk Against Drugs

Residents without mobile phones, fear not — an attendant posted at each of the stations will present a video and record your information so you don't miss out on the chance to get a prize.

For the little ones, there's something in store. The City of Mission Viejo has prepared a hedge maze with a fun scavenger hunt will also be on tap for young children. Kids can collect eggs for a chance to win kid-friendly prizes, the city posted in a news release.

The annual Walk Against Drugs is hosted by the City of Mission Viejo and the Orange County Sheriff's Department. The event is held in order to unite the community in staying drug-free and embracing healthy lifestyles. This year, the walk will start at the southernmost stretch of the Village Green in front of the Norman P. Murray Community Center.

Read More: Mission Viejo 'Walk Against Drugs' To Feature Local Actress

A designated path will be followed through Oso Creek Trail, and the walk will end at its original starting point. Residents are encouraged to join in on the walk individually or in groups.

During the walk, residents can engage with deputies from OCSD, the Orange County Fire Authority and other community partners while raising awareness about drug-prevention. Community members of all ages are invited to attend, and youth in grades K-12 are encouraged to don red T-shirts in honor of Red Ribbon Week in October.

The 33rd Annual Walk Against Drugs takes place at 24932 Veterans Way from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and more information can be found on the city's website.