MATTAPOISETT — It takes 24,901 miles to travel around the world. But for 88-year old Brad Hathaway, the trip was a walk around the block — or maybe a few thousand. 

On Oct. 3, Hathaway completed his walk of the equivalent of the circumference of the earth that he started in December 1988. 

And while most of his miles were walked alone or with one or two others, his last was in the company of friends, family, supporters, news outlets, dogs and even a horse. 

Starting at the corner of Aucoot and Bowman Road, Hathaway walked the final mile to raise money for the Mattapoisett Land Trust.

The land trust put together the event, sending out press releases and getting the word out through other means. They brought along photographers and flaggers to keep Hathaway and those walking with him safe from traffic.

“It takes a guy like that,” Paul Osenkowski, a member of the Mattapoisett Land Trust Board of Directors, said of land trust President Mike Hugenin, who organized much of the celebration of Hathaway’s final mile. 

“And then it takes the community to put it together,” Osenkowski said in a nod to supporters who came out to accompany Hathaway. 

Hathaway added walking to his daily routine after a doctor told him he was at risk of heart disease and diabetes in 1988. 

He’s logged all the miles he walked since then, and as he approached the circumference of the earth, he decided to use his walks to make an impact by raising money for the Mattapoisett Land Trust. 

“It’s wonderful,” Hugenin said of Hathaway’s walk and his efforts to raise funds for the land trust, of which Hathaway was a founding member. 

“Brad’s been the environmental conscience of Mattapoisett for many, many years,”

And the celebration had no shortage of surprises and sweet moments, like when Hathaway paused to announce there was only half a mile to go, spurring applause from the crowd following behind him.

The land trust even brought along a bagpipe player to surprise Hathaway just past the half mile mark.

“How did you know that means so much to me?” Hathaway asked Osenkowski. 

“Brad, you’re the cornerstone,” Osenkowski replied. 

Hathaway said the instrument has sentimental value, and reminded him of a neighbor who Hathaway saw develop from a novice to an experienced player, eventually playing at Hathaway’s father’s funeral.

“When she came out at harbor beach, that’s when I completely lost it,” Hathaway said, teary-eyed. 

The land trust set up a finishing ribbon for Hathaway to break as he finished his journey at his home, where the crowd gathered to listen to him speak on his decades-long feat. 

Hathaway said he forgot the words he had thought up beforehand, but thanked everyone for coming out, and brought the bagpipe player forward to give a personal “thank you.” 

And the land trust, as well as the Board of Selectmen, gave Hathaway thanks in return. 

Selectman John DeCosta presented Hathaway with a certificate of appreciation from the Board, and Hugenin presented Hathaway with a certificate from the land trust. 

And even though Hathaway’s late wife couldn’t be there to break the tape with him in person, Brad knew she was there in spirit. 

“Priscilla was with me every step of the way,” Hathaway said. 

After the walk was over, Hathaway took the time to chat with old friends, supporters, and children who went up to congratulate him on his journey and give him the signs they made for the celebration.

But after all was said and done, Hathaway said he felt lucky to have lived as long as he has. 

“No, we’re lucky that you’ve lived this long,” Ozenkowski said to Hathaway. 

And even though his trek equivalent to the circumference of the earth is complete, Hugenin joked that the next distance to cover would be to the moon. 

But for Hathaway, that might not be a far-off goal. 

“I’m gonna start,” he said.