As the sun sets over Ocean City, a group of walkers makes their way across the 9th Street Bridge, taking in the view while catching up with friends and meeting new people.
The Wednesday evening walk, led by Therese McFadden Wells on behalf of Ocean City’s Healthy Living Advisory Council, was created as a way for people to stay active while connecting with others and enjoying the outdoors.
“As part of the Healthy Living Advisory Council for Ocean City, we wanted to facilitate an opportunity for an evening activity that keeps people moving, connected, and outside in support of healthy living in our community,” McFadden Wells said.
The Wednesday walk launched in June as a summer activity. The group met at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at the bench at the bottom of the 9th Street Bridge.
The route follows the dedicated walking, running, and biking path across the bridge. The round trip is approximately 4.25 miles, but participants are not required to complete the entire distance.
“Any distance is fine,” McFadden Wells said. “There have been some participants who have done half the bridge.”
The flexibility is intentional. Participants can walk at their own pace and choose how far they want to go.
“The intent is to walk at your pace,” McFadden Wells said.
Some evenings, the group stays together, while other times participants naturally spread out based on their preferred pace. The atmosphere is a combination of fitness and socializing, with conversation playing a major role.
“People often comment on how quickly the walk passes because people are chatting with each other,” McFadden Wells said.
The group attracts a mix of regular participants and newcomers. New faces show up each week, making the walk approachable for people who may be hesitant to join an established group.
For anyone nervous about showing up alone, McFadden Wells said that feeling is common.
“Everyone has felt that way when they came the first time,” she said. “There are some new faces every week, so you won’t be the only new person. This is a very open and welcoming group.”
The setting also adds to the experience. Participants stop during the walk to appreciate the sunset over the water, turning the evening outing into more than just an opportunity to exercise.
“We stop and take in the sunset every week,” McFadden Wells said. “Take in the moment and accomplishment.”
One of her favorite moments is seeing participants exceed their own expectations.
She recalled people saying they planned to walk only a short distance, only to continue across the entire bridge because they were enjoying themselves.
“My smile is when a person says, ‘I’m only going a little bit,’ which is totally fine, but ends up walking the whole bridge as they are just enjoying it and feel accomplished that they did the whole thing,” she said.
The Wednesday bridge walk is part of a broader effort by the Healthy Living Advisory Council to promote physical activity and healthy living in Ocean City.
The council supports several initiatives throughout the year, including Friday morning boardwalk walks and runs, a health expo, outdoor fitness equipment and stretching videos near Sixth Street, as well as educational events.
The Wednesday bridge walk concluded for the season as sunsets began occurring earlier, but McFadden Wells said participants should watch for its return next summer.
In the meantime, the council’s other activities provide opportunities for residents and visitors to stay active and connected.
The Wednesday walk’s appeal ultimately comes from its simplicity. There is no registration requirement or complicated schedule. Participants can simply show up, walk as much as they want, and spend time with others.
“It’s an easy, no-pressure, and enjoyable way to get moving and experience fantastic sunsets while enjoying camaraderie with fellow walkers,” McFadden Wells said.
The goal extends beyond exercise.
“Connecting with others through interesting conversations with beautiful OC sunsets,” McFadden Wells said when describing what she hopes participants take away from the experience.
For anyone considering joining when the walks return, her advice is simple.
“Just show up,” McFadden Wells said. “You will be glad you did!”
