Event Description

The US FreedomWalk Festival® is a weekend, non-competitive, social walking challenge bringing participants of all ages and abilities together for fun, fitness, and international friendship. There are three themes to the annual event:
Fitness through walking. 
Learning about US history and freedoms
Making friends from all over the world
Truely a Volksmarch to remember!

The event was created in 2000 to welcome walkers from all over the world to the nation's capital city in friendship. This walking event is hosted by the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States; Arlington County, Virginia; the World Affairs Council of Washington, DC; the Embassies; and AVA Club 901.

The walk is a three-day civil and military, noncompetitive walk for everyone. It promotes friendship and education about the United States and other countries. This is not a charity walk.

There is a short "Welcome Walk" on Friday afternoon. the Saturday trails visit international-themed locations including a visit by embassies. On Saturday, the longer trails take participants on a tour of US architecture, monuments, and parks in the nation's capital, and to memorials honoring those who created and sacrificed for freedom—the foundation of the national culture. Sunday's trails walk along the C&O Canal and other parks.

Start at your lesure each day during the start period and walk at your own pace. Everyone must register at the start location. 

This is a family event for all ages. You choose your desired course based on your abilities and personal desires. The walk is for your health.


The event is co-hosted by:

IML Walking Association

 AVA Club 901

Arlington County, Virginia USA

Event details and schedule

This years event will be held on October 18-20, 2019.  It is our 18th Year! 

Trails

Each day features a different walk available only on that day. On Friday, experience Arlington Virginia hospitality with a Welcome Walk west of the Potomac River. Friday’s trails are 5 and 10 km long (3 / 6 miles). Arlington County has been named a Gold Level Walk Friendly Community by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. The County is one of 15 communities nationwide to have receive this level rating.

Saturday’s 12/21 km (6 / 13mile) walks go by the embassies, memorials, the National Mall, all three branches of the federal government and Arlington Cemetery. 

Sunday’s 12/21km (6 /13mile) walks branch out to the C&O Canal and other parks depending on the distance selected by the participants.

All trails are primarily on sidewalks with occasional natural surfaces on Sunday. Some may be difficult for strollers and wheelchairs due to local differences in accessibility. Alternate routes are available on some trails. Trails are mostly flat except Sunday (Rate 1 to 2+ on a 5 scale) 

Note:  Pre-registation runs through October 7, 2019.  Registration fees increase $5 on day of event (n/a IVV Credit Only).