Miles for Mankind

White background with blue text along the top rim, red text along the bottom, and an illustration in the center of a red arrow with footsteps on it going around the planet Earth 

Miles for Mankind was a community walk-a-thon movement in the 1970s and 1980s that encouraged participants to raise money for humanitarian and service projects, often under the direction of local YMCA chapters. Walkers collected pledges for each mile completed, with funds supporting programs such as YMCA World Service, which aided international development and relief work. The event reflected the era’s enthusiasm for fitness and philanthropy, uniting civic spirit with charitable giving.

Across the United States, Miles for Mankind became an annual tradition in many towns. Families, students, and service organizations gathered each year to walk together for global and local causes, highlighting the YMCA’s role in promoting both community well-being and international understanding. The event’s widespread popularity demonstrated how grassroots fundraising and volunteerism could transform small-town participation into global impact.