When Steve Landau started Everyone Runs, Everyone Walks 10 years ago, he hoped to provide runners of all levels with a race that they could finish and feel positive about. “I went to other races and I would hear runners say that they weren’t good enough to finish in the top positions, and it was discouraging,” says Landau, “I wanted to have an event that was fun, no matter how fast someone ran.” Working with his family, Landau aimed to create events that would appeal to seasoned runners, as well as novices and walkers. “I was running in Catalina State Park, and I was struck by how beautiful it is. That’s how I got the idea for the first race location,” explains Landau.
Everyone Runs, Everyone Walks is a family-operated organization. Brenda Landau, Steve’s wife [and Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona senior vice president], helps with race day registration, and their son Matt is known for dressing up in a chicken suit to congratulate runners during the “Run with the Roosters Kinney Road 5 Miler at Old Tucson” in the summer. “We are all usually running around like crazy during the events, just making sure that things go smoothly and everyone is having a good time. We are up late the night before and early on race day, so we are always exhausted when it’s over,” says Steve.
Now celebrating its 10th year, Everyone Runs, Everyone Walks will be holding its Everyone Runs TMC Catalina State Park race on April 4. Because the race falls during Passover this year, Landau has made an addition to the traditional free Mexican food breakfast, which is a highlight for many participants. “There will be matzah this year,” says Landau. “We really want everyone to have something they can enjoy. We have vegetarian options, too.”
In addition to breakfast, participants also receive post-race photos and performance running shirts with their entry fee. The Catalina State Park race will offer 5.2 and 10.3 mile courses, featuring the “92 and 48 stair climb.” There will be a shuttle bus from the Oro Valley Market Place shopping center, which will include complimentary park entry.
Everyone Runs, Everyone Walks holds races at Catalina State Park twice a year. In the fall, the course is run in the opposite direction from the race in the spring. “We call it ‘Split Endz’ in September because it goes the other way,” says Landau. Along with the early morning race in July at Old Tucson Studios, the organization also hosts a Veteran’s Day fun run. For more information or to register, go to every oneruns.net or contact Landau at 797-7867 or everyoneruns@comcast.net.
Laura Wilson Etter is a freelance journalist, grant writer and artist in Tucson.
