If you want to do organized walking events, a great resource is the American Volksport Association. The website is American Volkssport Association Walking Clubs and Walking Volksmarch Events. If you are unfamiliar with Volksmarching/porting, it is a "sport" that originated in Germany, but quickly hit momentum in the US around the late '70s early '80s. The Volksport Association has clubs in every state in the U.S., and the clubs host Volksmarches, 10k (5.2 mile) walks all over the country. You can particpate in the walks for free, or you can join the association (membership fee) which allows you to earn metals, and other prizes for each walk, as well as receive a newletter, etc. I just moved from Washington state not too long ago, and I could find a walk to do just about every weekend of the year. It was alot of fun, and you get to see lots of great cities, parks, etc. Our whole family participated. You can go at your own pace, so there is no competion involved. Just thought I would pass along the info.!