Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: WHAT IS VOLKSSPORTING?
A: Volkssport events include walking, swimming, bicycling, and cross country
skiing. The most popular is walking or volksmarching. A volksmarch is a
non-competitive walk. It is not a pledge walk, it's not a race, it is a
walk you can do alone or with your family or friends. Volksmarching got
its name from its origins in Germany. Today there are thousands of volkssport
clubs around the world, allied in the International Volkssport Federation
(IVV). There are over 500 volkssport clubs throughout the USA allied through
the American Volkssport Association (AVA). The local clubs host the walking
events.
Q: DO I HAVE TO JOIN A CLUB?
A: Clubs welcome new members, but you don't have to join a club to participate.
All events are open to the public.
Q: HOW FAR DO YOU WALK?
A: The majority of the walks have 5 kilometer (3.1 miles) and 10 kilometer (6.3 miles) options. Occasionally
there are walks of longer distances.
Q: HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO FINISH THE WALK?
A: The sponsoring club determines the start and finish time; however ample
time is provided. Most clubs have a starting time of 8:00 AM to noon or
1:00 PM with a finish time of 3:00 or 4:00 PM. You can start at 8:00 AM,
sightsee, have lunch along the way or do whatever you want just so you
finish by the 3:00 or 4:00 finish time.
Q: ARE THERE ANY AWARDS?
A: Many clubs offer a medal or patch to show that you are a "winner" and
have completed the walk. There is also an Individual Achievement Award
Program. You can purchase Distance Record Books and Event Record Books
for $5.00 each. If you register for the event award or pay the credit fee
($3.00), the event and distance you walked are entered in the Record
Books. After milestones such as 10 events, 30 events, 50 events, 500 kilometers,
1000 kilometers, etc. you send your books to the American Volkssport Association
and receive a Certificate of Achievement, a patch and a hatpin, and your
accomplishment is printed in the American Wanderer, our national publication.
Q: WHAT IS A NEW WALKER PACKET?
A: A New Member packet is a real bargain to get you started in volkssporting.
You purchase these packets for $5.00 at any walk. This packet includes
your first event book which is good for your first ten events; your first
distance book which is good for your first 500 kilometers, three coupons
for free credit at your first three events; and other coupons and information.
Q: WHAT IS AN EVENT?
A: The Events page has a thorough explanation of the
term "event."
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO WALK?
A: Most clubs allow you to walk free if no "credit" is desired. (If you
are keeping Event and Distance Record Books, you are walking for credit.)
You can walk for "credit only" for $3.00 or less. If the sponsoring club
offers a patch or medal, the medal and "credit" is usually $7.00 or less.
