Volkssporting started in Germany and simply defined, is a personal fitness sports and recreation program offering noncompetitive walks, hikes, bike rides, swims, and in some regions (not Texas!) cross-country skiing. You may choose your time to start within the start/finish “window” and participate in the sport at your own pace. If you want, you can keep track of your kilometers and events and earn certificates, patches and pins at various levels.
Walking – also called “volksmarching” – is the most popular of all the volkssporting activities. In a recent two-year period, almost 400,000 people, from toddlers to nonagenarians, took part in AVA events.
Volkssporting in the United States is sponsored by the American Volkssport Association (AVA) which has a nationwide, grassroots network of about 300 active clubs presenting more than 3,000 volkssporting events each year.
Founded in 1976, AVA is an educational nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to promoting fun, fitness and friendship. Watch this video to learn a little more about Volksmarching!
The Texas Trail Roundup is a member of the AVA and the walks are sanctioned as meeting their strict criteria.
