Taking ‘A Long Walk’ to remember Alex Long

A special walk to honor Alex’s life and legacy

A little over a year ago, Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors decreed July 1st to be ‘Alex Long Day’ in recognition of Alex Long’s service to the city.

Alex was an active volunteer for the District 2 Board of Supervisors office for many years: rallying the community to save the #3 Jackson bus line (which serves many seniors in the community); creating a management system for the city to efficiently track inquiries and responses to constituent issues; and mentoring many volunteers and interns. Sadly, Alex died in October of 2020, just a few months after he was honored.

In addition to his lengthy list of impressive professional accomplishments and personal attributes, Alex was a long-time member and generous supporter of Walk SF. He was also an avid walker, aiming to walk seven miles and at least 50 flights of stairs every day. His family noted that Alex used these walks as a way of connecting with a place and its people.

In celebration of Alex’s life and legacy, the Long family teamed up with two of our WalkLab volunteers, Nancy Botkin and Eric Chase, to create a memorial walk. The route features Alex’s favorite places to walk in District 2, including Inspiration Point, the Lyon Street Steps, the National Cemetery Overlook, and other beautiful vistas, stairways, parks, and installations.

Whether or not you knew Alex, you can enjoy this special walk. Simply make a gift to Walk SF through ‘A Long Walk’ fundraiser page and you will be emailed a digital map and turn-by-turn directions for ‘A Long Walk.’ The walk is ~8 miles in total, divided into two loops.

Before passing away, Alex said, “Please tell everyone that I had a wonderful life and it was all because of them.” Join us in celebrating Alex’s spirit and the lasting gifts he shared with San Francisco by following in his footsteps and going on ‘A Long Walk’ in his memory.