Anne Arundel Executive Candidate Planning 50-Mile Walk Across County

Anne Arundel County Executive candidate Pete Smith is planning to walk the length of Anne Arundel County to highlight the "unique history and background of the county’s neighborhoods," according to a statement announcing the event.

In what he is calling “The Walk for Anne Arundel," Smith, the current councilman for Anne Arundel County’s 1st District, said the event will be held April 11. The walk will start at 12:01 a.m. at 805 Beach Ave. in North Beach and finish at 4005 Ritchie Highway in Baltimore around 6:30 p.m.

Smith said he and his supporters plan to cover 50 miles in about 18 hours, traveling from Anne Arundel's southern border with Calvert County to its northern border with Baltimore City.

The event announcement did not provide a detailed public route.

According to Smith's announcement, the walk will also demonstrate each neighborhood's "interconnectedness" and his desire to "listen, learn and be present for every mile." He said the event is also meant to raise awareness for local community initiatives.

Smith's campaign tied the event to Smith’s military background, as well as his 28 years serving as an active and reserve Marine. During his time in the military, Smith was deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq.

“Real leadership means getting out from behind a desk and gathering information firsthand, on the ground," Smith said. "As a Marine, I know there’s no substitute for learning each inch of territory and how everything is connected."

Pete Smith, a three-term Democratic Anne Arundel County Council member, launched his campaign for county executive in January. Running on a platform focused on education, public safety, economic growth, and affordable housing, Smith previously said he is aiming to bring his "community-focused" leadership to the executive branch.