The 1-mile walk will always be an event full of mixed emotions at the Carbon County Senior Games.

It is the event where participant Philip Steigerwalt, 63, of Lehighton, who would have won the bronze medal in the men’s 60 to 64 bracket, collapsed as he neared the finish line on May 8, 2007.

Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him and he passed away after having a heart attack.

Since that day 11 years ago, the games’ organizers and participants have remembered Steigerwalt through the walk, which is now known as the Philip Steigerwalt Memorial Walk.

To honor the man who loved his family, his community and the Senior Games, the bronze medal winner in the men’s 60 to 64 bracket for the walk is named the recipient of the Philip Steigerwalt Memorial Walk plaque.

This year, newcomer Robert Henenlotter of Jim Thorpe was named the recipient of the plaque as he walked his way into the winner’s circle.

Steigerwalt’s wife, Carol, was on hand for the plaque presentation and reminisced about that fateful day 11 years ago.

Henenlotter told her that he will cherish the plaque forever.