"Volksmarch" is the German term which literally means "people's walk" -- a non-competitive outdoor walk, usually 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) or 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) through a scenic, historic or interesting area over a pre-determined route.
Volksmarching encourages people of all ages to participate in the healthful hobby of hiking/walking/running, making it an excellent recreational activity for the entire family.
Types of Volksmarches
There are two types of events sponsored by the club:
- Sanctioned Events -- scheduled on a specific day or weekend
- Year Round Events -- available for participation at any time during the year/season
Sanctioned Events occur on an announced day; the sponsoring club marks out the trail and provides checkpoints. Everyone walks at their own speed and you may meet many other walkers doing the same course.
Year-Round Events (YRE's) are a more "self-service" event and can be done any time during the year, subject to some holiday and/or seasonal restrictions. The start point is usually at a local business that has agreed to hold the box of registration materials and/or collect the fees. A map/description of the route will be provided but the trail will not be marked with tape or directional signs.
Many people walk YRE's regularly for exercise and to accumulate kilometer credits and some even plan vacations to include YRE's in other states. AVA/IVV credit for distance is given each time the trail is walked.
Awards
Volksmarches provide an opportunity to see new countryside, meet people and collect incentive awards. Volksmarching is coordinated by the IVV (International Federation of Popular Sports) and the AVA (American Volkssport Association). These organizations provide publications and an awards programs to recognize individuals for the number of events and/or distance completed. Everyone can be a winner!
Event awards, usually a medal or patch, are available to anyone who completes the course upon payment of a small fee to the sponsoring club.
Incentive awards are administered by the AVA and you can get started by purchasing a record book ($5 each) for "events" and/or "distance". These books are valid indefinitely and honored at any AVA/IVV sanctioned volkssport event worldwide. Simply present your record books at the certification table and receive the official AVA/IVV ink stamp upon submitting your personal validated start card at the event.
Additional information on awards and levels required can be found at http://www.ava.org. AVA/IVV record books are always available for sale at any walk and often also at the YRE sites.
What is Volkssporting?
Magnolia State Volkssport Club
