Set your goal for these great walking events in Europe and Asia in from July to October. These events may be sanctioned by the IML Walking Association or International Volkssport Federation (IVV).
Castlebar, Ireland July 1-4, 2010. This IML Walking Association/IVV sanctioned walking festival has been going strong since 1967. Walkers can choose a daily distance of 20K, 30K, or 40K.
The Netherlands 20/23 July 2010, 19/22 July 2011. For over 90 years, this premier IML Walking Association event has been providing a real challenge - the minimum distance is 30 kilometers a day for four days, and you may not earn the medal unless you walk 40 or 50 kilometers per day, depending on age and gender. As of 2005, they have a sell-out limit, which was 45,000 for 2008.
Vaasa, Finland 6/8 August 2010, 12/14 August 2011. Three days of walking including 10K, 21K and 42K distances. The organizers know how to show everybody a great time. Sanctioned by the IML Walking Association and IVV.
Verdal, Norway, 28/29 August 2010, 27/28 August 2011. This two days march is in the mountain area on the border Sweden and Norway, and the Verdal Valley, 85 km north of Trondheim. The walks are 10K, 20/25K and 35K each day. Sanctioned by IVV and the IML Walking Association.
Arenzano, Italy 11/12 Sept. 2010, 10/11 Sept 2011: Two days of walking from the mountains to the sea on the Riviera coast of Italy. The walks are on steep mountain paths with astonishing views. Choose distances of 6K, 17K, or 24K. For those who prefer the sea to the mountain, a route along the coast has been marked out, with less steep terrain. Sanctioned by the IML Walking Association and IVV.
Seefeld, Austria, 17/19 Sept. 2010, 16/18 Sept. 2011. Three days of alpine walking on 10K, 20K, or 30K routes. Sanctioned by the IML Walking Association and IVV. I thoroughly enjoyed this walk in 2002.
Brno, Czech Republic, 25/26 Sept. 2010, 24/25 Sept. 2011. Walk 10, 20, 30, 42, or 50K each day in a beautiful natural area with forest, meadows and fields, villages and their environs. Sanctioned by the International Walking Association/IML and IVV.
2/3 October 2010,1/2 October 2011. IML Walking Association/IVV walking festival. I enjoyed this walking festival in 2005. The walks go through the countryside and the small towns. Each checkpoint is an enjoyable stop with wurst, pastries, and drinks available. Great cheap food and beer at the start place, an old US military base that protected us from the Russians during the Cold War. Distances available: 25K each day or 42K each day.
The beautiful city of Barcelona is now host to a 2-day IML Walking Association event in October. 16/17 October 2010, 15/16 October 2011. They have 30K, 20K and 10K routes.
Adelaide, Australia, late August. Yearly 5K, half-marathon and marathon that welcomes walkers as well as runners. There is a 7 hour cut-off for the marathon, with walkers starting an hour early.
Slesvig to Viborg, Denmark, July 11-17, 2010. Forget the cruise, this all-expenses included walking week costs about $225 US and you will lose weight rather than gain it. Each year 300-500 hardy souls walk an average 50 kilometers a day. Their gear is transported to camping spots at schools and gyms, with simple meals included. Sanctioned by IVV.
