Event Details
One of the best forms of exercise is walking.
For most of us, all it takes is a comfortable pair of shoes, a safe place to walk and a made-up mind to get moving. And one of the great things about walking is that it’s free!
Walk Maryland Day is on October 7, 2026 and the Baltimore County Department of Health (BCDH) wanted to take this opportunity to encourage all residents to walk, walk, walk! The day is a call to action for Marylanders to engage in walking and physical activity year-around for better health. It is also a celebration of walking, the official state exercise.
Walk Maryland Day is in its 11th year, and is a great time to lace-up and walk. Walking is something most of us learned to do as toddlers. It’s also something we do every day to move from one place to another. So, it’s not hard to understand why walking can be underestimated as a way to exercise.
The Mayo Clinic highlights the many benefits to regular walking including weight management, preventing or managing various health conditions including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, several cancers and Type 2 diabetes. Walking is also credited with improved heart health, building endurance, strengthening bones and muscles, and improving mood, thinking, memory and sleep.
According to the American Heart Association, brisk walking is a great way to achieve a moderate level of physical activity, and also notes that walking also improves mental and social health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Another great advantage to walking is that you can do it at your own pace, alone, with a walking partner or with a group.
BCDH is proud to say that we are doing more than talking the talk! We are walking the walking the Walk! Known as ‘The Baltimore County Steppers’, each year, we participate in Walk Maryland Day, with ‘sole mates’ across various HHS departments, along with other Baltimore County offices, members of the community, and State employees.
Last year, myself, along with Deputy Health Officer Della Leister kicked-off the event, and walked alongside other walkers through the picturesque surrounding community.
This year, we have billed the month of October as WALKTOBER, highlighting simple walking tips and ideas throughout the month with the goal of encouraging people to walk consistently throughout the year.
BCDH’s many programs and services include our Chronic Disease Prevention Program (CDPP), which aims to reduce health disparities among Baltimore County residents by offering education on health, lifestyle management, nutrition, and exercise focused on preventing and managing chronic diseases. CDPP also coordinates bi-weekly Wellness Walks for our staff to promote walking and a healthy workplace.
People with certain medical conditions and mobility limitations should aways talk to their health care professional about what level and type of activity is appropriate for them.
So come on Maryland! Grab your sneakers and join BCDH for this year’s Walk Maryland Day with the goal of moving towards walking year around! Let’s all take a step in the right direction for better heath!
Dr. Lucy Wilson, MD ScM
Baltimore County Health Officer