800 Expected to Take Part in Benefit Walk

March of Dimes officials expect a turnout of 800 walkers in Ventura County for this year’s WalkAmerica for Healthier Babies fund-raiser, to be held in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks today and in Ventura on April 30.

Organizers said the annual fund-raiser, which has raised more than $611 million since it began in 1970, is the largest and oldest walking event in the country. In Southern California, 15,000 people are expected to take part in the event by walking, running or roller-blading.

The money raised in the walk is used to combat congenital defects and infant mortality.

Volunteers will walk five miles in Thousand Oaks, starting at the North Creek Pavilion on Janss Road, and 10 miles in Simi Valley, beginning at Rancho Tapo Canyon Park today. Both walks begin at 8 a.m., and registrations will be taken until then.

The Ventura walk is scheduled for April 30 and will begin and end at Marina Harbor Village. Part of that route runs along the beach. Although the walk begins at 8 a.m., registrations will be accepted until 9 a.m.

Last year’s Ventura county walks raised $46,585, with 637 adults and children participating. Organizers hope to raise $60,000 in the county this year through pledges by sponsors.

More than 825,000 people are expected to participate across the country in this year’s walk. Last year, walkers raised $56 million nationally.

For more information about WalkAmerica, call the national toll-free number (800) 924-WALK.