Volksmarching

What is a Volksmarch?

Volksmarching is an exciting, non-competitive sport in the United States, part of an international Volkssport movement devoted to physical fitness. Its aim is to get people of all ages out of doors to exercise in a setting where everyone who competes in the event is a WINNER!

"VOLKSMARCH" is a German word which literally means, “people’s walk.” Volksmarching is a family-oriented activity. Infants can be pushed in strollers, youngsters walk the short distances, and senior citizens participate regularly. Runners and joggers are welcome, everyone walks, runs or jogs at his or her own pace.

Volksmarches are 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) long. There is also usually a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) trail suited to those who prefer a shorter distance. For those wishing a greater challenge, there are sometimes additional distances of 12.4 or 18.6 miles (20 or 30 kilometers.) Trails are rated for degree of difficulty and are part of the Trail Description found in the event brochure.

Participants are welcome to walk for a fee of $3.00 for credit or for free if no credit is desired. The fees help to cover the cost of producing the events. Those who pay an appropriate fee and complete the trail receive an attractive commemorative award, when offered. In addition to collecting commemorative patches, medals, and pins, participants may enroll in the IVV awards program.

What are IVV events?

The Internationaler Volkssportverband or International Federation of Popular Sports is the worldwide governing body for our sport with more than 30 member countries. Volksmarches or walks are the most popular of the four sports that make up the family of Volkssports, accounting for about 97 percent of all IVV events. The others are biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing.

Volkssporting in the U.S.

The American Volkssport Association (AVA), which accredits clubs and sanctions and oversees events in the United States, was founded in 1979. Presently the AVA family includes about 240 member clubs and state organizations that organize walking events in the United States.

What does IVV credit mean to me?

By purchasing an IVV Event and/or Distance Book and paying a $3.00 fee, you receive a stamp in your book when you complete an event. The books cost $6.00 each and are sold at every IVV event. This price includes the IVV award you receive from the AVA when you complete the book. Each IVV award consists of a certificate, pin and patch indicating the level of achievement. There are two different categories of achievement:

EVENTS attended, beginning with 10, then 30 and 50 events and continuing upwards
DISTANCE accumulated every 500 kilometers

When you complete your book, you mail it to the AVA headquarters to receive your award.

More About Volksmarchs

Before you begin a Volksmarch, you must go to the event Start Point where you will be asked to complete a Start Card. If you wish to receive the event award and IVV credit, the appropriate fee is paid. Registration is usually open from early morning to about 1 PM. You carry the Start Card with you to be marked at the checkpoints along the trail. You will be able to get water and candy at the checkpoint. The trail always brings you back to the Start Point, where you turn in your card and receive your award, if you paid for one. Usually, all walkers must finish by 4 p.m. This allows plenty of time to walk the marked trail. Many clubs provide food and drinks at the end of the walk for a nominal fee.

You are encouraged to walk at your own pace, but to reap the benefits of aerobic exercise, you should set a brisk and steady pace. Be sure to consult your physician if you have any medical problem that affects your heart and lungs, feet or legs.