Registration Pre-Registration:
You can usually register at the start point for the event. For rare events, you must pre-register - be sure to ask the club when you call them ahead of time. Most events that have an award allow you to pre-register by mail to ensure you get your award at the event.   Come to the event and sign in at the registration table.
Registration: At the start point, fill out a start card and pay the appropriate fee.

•Many events allow you to walk for free. •Some have a small entry fee for all walkers. •Event awards may be available - a patch, medal, pin or other item to reward you for participation. These are available for a small fee.
New Walkers Packets: These are available at most events for new walkers to jump right into the AVA program. For $5, the new walker gets:
•The first set of IVV Record Books •Coupons for getting IVV credit for three events at no charge (usual credit charge is $2 per event). •Coupon to receive a free issue of The American Wanderer •Explanations about the volkssporting program.

You can order a New Walker Packet from your friendly webmaster's club if you just can't wait.
Start Select a trail and distance:
The standard trail length is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), and you are allowed to complete it twice on the same start card.  A shorter distance may be offered for those who need it. Many events have more than one trail available, so be sure to inquire about length and difficulty and choose the trail(s) that you will enjoy the most. Also inquire about restroom availability, water and checkpoints before beginning.
Get on the trail:
The club may provide a map and directions, and/or have marked the trail with ribbons, arrows, or chalk. Be sure to ask what markings to look for.

Walking

 Walking and Trails:

Trail Ratings: Trails are rated for difficulty 1-5 from easiest to most difficult.

1. Easy trail, on pavement.
2. Moderately easy, could have natural surface, no difficult hills.
3. Moderate, some difficult terrain such as hills or stairs.
4. More difficult, rough surface and/or steep inclines.
5. Very difficult, rough trail, steep hills or high altitude, only for those in good physical health.

Walk at your own pace: Go as fast or as slow as you want. Run or powerwalk if you want to go aerobic. Stroll if you wish. Stop to picnic, shop, or sightsee if you want. Just be sure you can complete the trail by the official finish time.
How long does it take to complete a 10 kilometer trail? At a very easy pace, it takes most people 2 hours. If you are a power walker, you will finish in an hour and a half or less. More difficult trails take longer.
Checkpoints Checkpoints:
There should be one or more checkpoints along the trail. Usually these are staffed by friendly club members. Take the time to have some water, maybe a little treat, and chat with them. Present your start card to be stamped.

Water: You should ask about the availability of water fountains along the trail before starting. It is a good idea to bring your own (filled) water bottle along to ensure you won't go thirsty along the trail.

Snacks: Checkpoints will often have hard candies or pretzels. Some start points also sell food. Bring snacks if you think you will get hungry. If you have any health problems, consult with your physician to determine how you should prepare for a two-hour walk.

Restrooms: You should ask about the availability of restrooms along the trail before starting.

Gear: Wear comfortable walking shoes you have already broken in. Dress for the weather. Layers are always a good idea - you will probably warm up once on the trail, but may want a jacket or umbrella.

Finish

 Finish Table:

Finish: Turn in your start card at the finish table, even if you are just walking for free.

Collect your award: Now you get your medal, patch, or other award if you registered for it at the start. If you didn't and now you want one, just ask for an upgrade and pay the fee.

IVV Record Books Stamping: This is where you will get your IVV Record Books stamped if you registered for the award or for credit.  If you bought a New Walkers Packet, open it and take out the IVV Record Books and present them for stamping. Be sure to bring your IVV Record Books to each event. If you forgot, ask about getting an Insert Card stamped.

Info on Upcoming Events: You will be able to pick up brochures on upcoming events on the Information Table.

Relax and meet new friends: We welcome new walkers and hope you take the time to visit with the club members and other walkers at the finish. Ask about how to join the club.
Record Books and Awards IVV Achievement Award Program: Earn awards by walking events and distance at volkssport events worldwide. Redeem your IVV Record Books at milestones such as 10 events, 30 events, 500 kilometers, 1000 kilometers for a certificate, patch, and hatpin to display your achievement.
<Picture: pic047.gif - 17.71 K animated walking awards photos>

IVV Record Books: Record books are sold by the clubs at each event, in the USA the books are $5 each, and are good worldwide. An incentive for new walkers is to buy the New Walkers Packet and receive the first set of IVV Record Books at a big discount. You get both an event record book and a distance record book for a total of $5.

Record Book Types:

Event Record Books: Stamped once for each event (no matter how many times you completed the trail distance). Redeem at milestones: 10 events, 30 events, 50 events, 75 events, etc.

Distance Record Books: Stamped once for each completion of the trail with the distance recorded. Redeem at milestones 500 kilometers, 1000 kilometers, 1500 kilometers, etc.

At each event, by paying a single credit fee or buying the event award, you get BOTH books stamped.

Completing a Record Book: When the book is full, make a copy for your records and mail the book to the address listed on the front (to AVA for USA walkers) Be sure to then buy a new set of books at the next event to keep going while the AVA processes your books and sends you back your Achievement Award. AVA address: 1001 Pat Booker Rd. Suite 101, Universal City, TX 78148.  See AVA Record Book Guide for more details.

Passbook: After you redeem your first record book, the AVA also sends you back a little passbook that you will include when redeeming future books. Don't worry about this when redeeming your first book - you won't have it yet! The AVA also requires you send in the last previously redeemed book when redeeming future books. This is to check for any duplicates.