The Links, Inc. Selma chapter’s 23 annual Walk-A-Thon brought out community members of all ages to the track at Memorial Stadium on Saturday morning.

The event is a national community outreach project to encourage people to walk, exercise and engage in a healthier lifestyle.

Selma chapter president Dorothy C. Barnes welcomed the walkers to start the program at 8 a.m.

“This is one of our national initiatives. Links chapters all over the United States, and maybe even in some foreign countries, are having Walk-A-Thon’s where we’re trying to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles,” Brown said. “One way to accomplish that is through exercise, and walking is an exercise the Selma chapter is promoting.”

The Rev. Frankie Hutchins, who is also the dean of students at Selma University, delivered the invocation before Phenicia Nunn introduced her husband and Probate Judge-elect Jimmy Nunn as the Grand Marshall for the Walk-A-Thon.

“We had good participation this morning with the Walk-A-Thon,” Jimmy said. “I’m a connecting link, so I’m just glad to be out here. Walking, you take it step-by-step to making a healthy community. I think this is a great start toward making a greater and healthier community in Dallas County and the city of Selma.”

The Southside High School marching band were up early and blowing their horns for the walkers. The band then joined the group for a brief warmup before the walk.

“We were really excited to have the Southside High School band and also their cheering squad come to participate in the Walk-A-Thon,” Brown said. “We want everyone to walk and become healthy, but we’re especially happy to see so many young people out. If young people start walking, it can help them at a younger age to promote healthier lifestyles.”

Once everyone was stretched and ready, Jimmy, Barnes and the rest of the Links, Inc. Selma chapter led the way around the track.

The event DJ kept the music going as the walkers took multiple laps around the track. The Selma chapter provided free bottled water, fruit and granola bars for the walkers making their way around the track.

“We were fortunate that we had beautiful weather, and we were grateful to see so many participants and walkers today,” Brown said.