June 16, 2011
Volkswalkers will trek to campus June 23
by Diana Pounds
An anticipated 700 volkswalkers from around the country will hike Iowa State University next Thursday, June 23. The walkers are in Iowa for the national convention of the American Volkssport Association (AVA), a group that promotes noncompetitive walking tours throughout the country.
One of the featured walks for this year's conventioneers is the Ames Volkswalk, which consists of both 5K and 10K hikes. The volkswalkers will begin at Reiman Gardens, wind through points of interest on campus, then return to the gardens. See routes map (PDF).
The volkswalk takes place between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. and is open to the public. Registration ($2 for non-AVA members; $3 for those who wish to receive credit for the walk) includes admission to the gardens. Walkers may register on site at Reiman Gardens anytime between 7 and 10 a.m. but must complete the walk by 2 p.m.
Volkswalkers will be in Iowa for their national convention June 18-26, and have a number of walking tours planned in Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Clear Lake, Mason City, Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities.
Volkssporting started in Germany, and American soldiers posted there brought the sport back to their home country.
