What is Volkssport?
Volkssporting, translated from German is
"the sport of the people".
Promoting physical fitness and good health, all events are non-competitive, with Volkssporters choosing the sport, the distance and the pace. Volkssport events are held in all weather conditions. Events are designed to appeal to everyone; people of all ages. They are not contests of speed or endurance.
In Canada, walking events (called Volksmarches) are by far the most popular of all the Volkssport activities. A Volksmarch is an organized walk held along a trail winding through selected scenic and historic areas. Usually, the walks are 10 to 11 kilometres long, and there are many 5 kilometre walks available as well. There are four types of Volksmarches in Canada.
Guided Walks: Participants meet at a specified place and all start at the same registration time. A member of the host club usually heads the group as a guide. These walks can also be enjoyed at your own pace.
Map Walks: Participants meet at a specified place and registration time. Maps are provided and Volkssporters proceed along the route at their own pace.
Annual Volksmarch Events: Generally, the event has a longer registration time. Trails are marked with signs, tape, or flags, and have control points along the route. Participants proceed along the route at their own pace.
Year-Round/Seasonal Events: Usually referred to as "YREs", these are self-guided walks enjoyable during daylight hours every day of the year or applicable season. After self-registering, Volkssporters retrieve instructions from a Walk Box and then proceed along the route at their own pace. Walkers may complete the event as often as desired during the course of the year or season.
ANYONE CAN PARTICIPATE: Anyone may participate in a Volkssport event. Before starting, all participants are simply asked to register.
The first five events are free for everyone. If a person wants to participate in the event without receiving the Event Award or IVV credit after completing the free events, the person may be allowed to participate for free or, depending upon the sponsoring club, pay their stated fee not exceeding $2.00 (to help cover the cost of the event, insurance and other expenses). Check at the event registration desk for the fees charged by the sponsoring club.
Year Round Events within Alberta cost from $1 to $2. Check the registration information sheet for the required fee.
A person may enrol in the IVV International Individual Achievement Awards program by purchasing IVV Event and/or Distance record books at $7 per book. These awards are based on a person's progressive record of the number of events and distance in kilometres completed. Membership in a Volkssport club is not required, but encouraged.