Miles for Millions Walkathon

The Miles for Millions walkathon was introduced to Canada in 1967. It was modeled after the Oxfam, United Kingdom, walkathon which was created to alleviate third world hunger and poverty. The Miles for Millions was intentionally designed to cover an extraordinary distance of 40 miles (64 km) - now known as an ultramarathon. During the 1960s and 1970s hundreds of thousands of Canadians participated in the annual walkathon to raise money to alleviate the poverty and hunger crises in South Asian and Africa. The walk metaphorically resembled a pilgrimage; a personal and collective challenge demanding both political and social conviction to end poverty around the world. The walkathon included participants of all ages, including school children. Walkers were required to devote an entire day to the cause as well as soliciting pledges before participating in the walk. Pledges were based on the distance the participants walked. Many schools endorsed the Miles for Millions fundraiser as a way to teach social consequences to children and youth.