What is Volkssporting?

Volkssports are non-competitive events where each participant completes the prescribed route and distance at his or her own pace.  The initial and most common event is a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) walk called a Volksmarch.  Over time other sports have been added such as cross country skiing, snow shoeing, bicycling, swimming and even roller blading.  All of these events fit into the IVV/AVA format and count towards IVV/AVA Achievement Awards.  Each event has at least one checkpoint along the route.  This is where you stop to get your start card validated and have a beverage.  (Yes, we do also provide "puppy water" for your best friend!)

A Little History:

In 1968 Volkssporting was initiated by the European Countries of West Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria to provide a non-competitive environment for people of all ages.  In 1967 the Volkssporting came to the United States.  The first club was started in Fredericksburg, Texas.  The American Volkssport Association (AV was formally recognized by the IVV in June 1979.  Coincidentally that is the same year 6he Rocky Mountain Wanderers was founded.  There are now over 600 clubs in the United States and countries world-wide offering events.

Year Round/Seasonal Events:

A Year-Round or Seasonal Event is a self-guided Volksmarch available most days of the year or season.  You arrive at the start point during the stated open hours, register, take a map, and enjoy the trail.  These events include the same type routes as standard volksmarches and are also part of the IVV/AVA Achievement Award Program.  Some are scenic, some are historical, some are just for exercise.  Call the sponsoring club to find out which events suit you. 

Year round and seasonal events have some added features.  They are especially well suited for individuals who are working towards Special Achievement Awards.  There are many awards to work towards, completing walks in all of the 50 United States,  all of the State Capitol Cities, walking through National Heritage Sites, etc.  Having year-round and seasonal events allows participants to complete these events according to their personal time frame instead of having to possibly travel hundreds of miles for each specific event. 

Cost:

Volkssport events are open to the public. $1.00 fee is charged for the walk.   However, to participate in the IVV/AVA Awards Program you must pay a nominal fee for the log books and a small fee ($2.00) for the credit to be entered into your log books at each event.  Commemorative awards are usually available for purchase at each event.

Record Books and Awards

To find events anywhere in the US, call (voice only) 1-800-830-WALK

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.

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, 30, 50, 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.