About the Walk:
The Vancouver International Discovery Walk Festival in Vancouver, Washington, USA is an IML Walking Association (formerly International Marching League) and IVV walking event. Walk 5K, 10K, half-marathon, 32K, or 42K walks. Bikes and swims also available. To earn the IML stamp, a walker must complete at least 20 Km per day for two days.
Dates:
April April 24-26, 2009. April 23-25, 2010. Held the third or fourth weekend of April each year.
Organization and Contacts:
The Discovery Walk Festival is hosted by the International Walk Fest Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of walking and exercise, member of the American Volkssport Association.
International Walk Fest, PO Box 2009, Vancouver, WA 98668, USA. Toll free phone 877-269-2009. Email: info@discoverywalk.org
Discovery Walk Festival web site
International Walk Fest, PO Box 2009, Vancouver, WA 98668, USA. Toll free phone 877-269-2009. Email: info@discoverywalk.org
Discovery Walk Festival web site
Location and Walking Course:
Hilton Hotel. 6th and Columbia, Vancouver, Washington. The walking routes include paved greenway paths, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Officer's Row Historic Reserve, paved paths along the Columbia River in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, Vancouver parks and neighborhoods. The route includes many flat stretches and some with moderate hills. Most routes are entirely on pavement and navigable with strollers.
Registration and Fees:
Entry fee is $10 per walk, bike or swim. Discounts for registering early and for team entry. Entry includes a medal award for each walk or bike event, IVV credit and IML credit. Children age 12 and under are free, but each group of children must be accompanied by an adult registered for the event. Register by mail or online or in person at the event. Discovery Walk Festival
Friday Events:
The weekend kicks off with the Childrens Culture Parade, as over 1000 third graders from the Vancouver and Evergreen School District celebrate their cultural heritage. International visitors are invited to walk with the children.
The Mayor's Friendship Walk starts from 4-6 pm, finish by 9 pm at the Hilton Hotel. It is a 5K or 10K walk along the Columbia River and through Fort Vancouver National Historical Site.
The Mayor's Friendship Walk starts from 4-6 pm, finish by 9 pm at the Hilton Hotel. It is a 5K or 10K walk along the Columbia River and through Fort Vancouver National Historical Site.
Saturday Lewis and Clark Walk:
42K walk starts 7-7:30 am.
20K walk starts 8-9 am
5K and 10K walks start 8 am - 12 pm, including the Family Fun start time at 10 am.
All finish by 4 pm
Walkers Expo and entertainment in the Hilton Hotel throughout the day.
20K walk starts 8-9 am
5K and 10K walks start 8 am - 12 pm, including the Family Fun start time at 10 am.
All finish by 4 pm
Walkers Expo and entertainment in the Hilton Hotel throughout the day.
Sunday Lt. Broughton Walk, Bike, Swim:
21K walk starts 8-10 am
6K and 11K walks start 8 am - 12 pm.
Bikes: 17K, 25K and 50K rides start 9 am - 12 pm
Swims: 300 meter indoor swims are held at the Hough Pool, shuttle provided from the Hilton Hotel.
Walkers must be off the trail by 4 pm
Walkers Expo at the Hilton Hotel throughout the day.
Closing Ceremonies 3 pm.
6K and 11K walks start 8 am - 12 pm.
Bikes: 17K, 25K and 50K rides start 9 am - 12 pm
Swims: 300 meter indoor swims are held at the Hough Pool, shuttle provided from the Hilton Hotel.
Walkers must be off the trail by 4 pm
Walkers Expo at the Hilton Hotel throughout the day.
Closing Ceremonies 3 pm.
Full Disclosure:
Walking.about.com is a sponsor for the Discovery Walk Festival and Guide Wendy Bumgardner is president and volunteer for the non-profit organization.
