A Journey at Three Miles an Hour: Rudy Weidert Walks the Length of Topsail Island

When 72-year-old Rudy Weidert set out at sunrise on a cool spring morning, he wasn’t just aiming to complete a long walk. He was setting out to truly see Topsail Island — every step, every dune, every small, windswept corner often missed when passing by at 40 miles per hour.

A resident of Holly Ridge, Rudy had fallen in love with the island years earlier during family vacations. The beauty of Topsail had captivated them from the start, but like many visitors, most of their experiences had been quick trips to the beach or scenic car rides along the island’s roads. Over time, Rudy realized that to fully appreciate the place that had become so special to him and his family, he needed to slow down — way down — and experience it on foot, mile by mile.

Traveling at about three miles per hour, Rudy walked 26.5 miles from North Topsail Beach all the way to Serenity Point at the southern end of the island, completing the journey in about eight and a half hours. Along the way, he passed through familiar towns, marveled at stretches of shoreline, and truly saw Topsail in a way that most never do.

Though the walk sounds daunting, Rudy’s approach was measured and joyful. A longtime fan of endurance sports, he felt confident he could handle the challenge. His usual routine of walking three to four miles daily helped keep him in shape, and in preparation for the big day, he added a few slightly longer walks — nothing over five miles — to build his stamina.

Throughout the journey, Rudy had his greatest supporter close by: his wife, Sally. Sally not only encouraged the idea from the start, thinking it was a fun and adventurous goal, but also played a critical role in helping him succeed. Meeting him along the route with energy drinks, power bars, and a well-timed lunch in Surf City, Sally’s support kept Rudy fueled and focused throughout the day.

Despite the physical demands, Rudy described the experience as "fun" — but he’s the first to caution that walking the entire island isn’t for everyone. Instead, he encourages others to explore Topsail at a pace and distance comfortable for them, suggesting that taking the time to walk different sections of the island over time is well worth the effort. In doing so, he believes anyone can come to appreciate the true magic of Topsail — the small details, hidden views, and moments of peace that often go unnoticed at faster speeds.

Rudy Weidert’s walk wasn't just a personal achievement; it’s a reminder to slow down, to savor, and to truly connect with the places we love. His journey has left an inspiring footprint across Topsail Island — and an open invitation for others to follow, one step at a time.