Albert Lea to celebrate 10 years of Blue Zones with community walk
City News March 25, 2026
Blue Zones Albert Lea invites local residents to keep stepping toward a longer, healthier life with a community walk on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Marion Ross Theater, 147 N. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea.
After a short program on Blue Zones healthy habits, participants will walk part of the Blue Zones Walkway along Fountain Lake and then head for lunch at First Lutheran Church.
This event is free and open to all fitness levels. All ages are welcome as long as children are accompanied by an adult. To ensure enough food and T-shirts, please register at www.cityofalbertlea.org/recreation-registration. Residents may also register by calling the Albert Lea Recreation Department at 507-377-4370.
This walk will also kick off a series of events this year to mark the 10-year anniversary of Albert Lea being certified as a Blue Zones community, the first in the nation. The certification followed a successful pilot project, led by world-explorer and best-selling author Dan Buettner, in 2009 with Albert Lea making several changes to help people live longer and better.
Walking moais, which are small groups of people who support each other, were a key part of the pilot project. Local leaders aim to bring back organized walking moais this year to boost community well-being.
“Walk together, live longer. It’s simple but effective. Research shows that walking and connecting socially can help prevent disease, keep people mobile, and fill life with purpose,” said Cathy Malakowsky, Blue Zones project lead for Albert Lea.
Participants may sign up to join a walking or biking moai at the April 18 event. These moais will meet on a regular basis through June 30 and may keep going on their own.
In addition to T-shirts, the event will offer a variety of door prizes, including a state park pass, fitness tracker, hydration belts, reflective wear and other gear that supports natural movement.
Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
For immediate release
March 25, 2026
Media contact: Blue Zones Project Lead Cathy Malakowsky at 507-377-4316 or cmalakowsky@ci.albertlea.mn.us
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