WHAT IS VOLKSMARCHING?                   

Have you ever wondered where the German sport of Volksmarching originated and how the HIWC got its start? Well, in 1963, the Sports Club of Bobingen, a small town near Augsburg, organized a "Volkslauf" - or "people's run" to stir interest in the club among the general public. According to the original rules, participants had to complete the required distance within a specified amount of time in order to receive a medal. It was not uncommon for people to overextend themselves and they started expressing strong opposition to the age categories and timed events. Out of this opposition grew "Volksmarching," an event in which everyone could participate - young or old - and which could be done without competition. By 1968, the International Federation of Popular Sports (better known as the "IVV") was formed by Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. The national emblems of these four countries were placed in a wreath to form the IVV symbol.

One of the benefits of Volksmarching is its appeal to people of all ages and walks of life. At the completion of the event, the participant can receive either credit for the marches and kilometers walked, an attractive prize, or both. After determining whether or not to walk for an award, the participant pays a minimal registration fee (ranging from € 1.50  to  € 3.60 including award) and receives a start card. Along the marked trail, the start card is stamped at control points. At the end of the march, the participant exchanges the start card for an award or credit. Everyone who completes a Volksmarch is a winner!!!

By 1974, the sport of Volksmarching had become so popular among the Americans and their German friends in the Heidelberg area that the Heidelberg International Wandering Club was formed. True to the "international" in its name, the clubs opens membership to anyone who has an interest in Volksmarching. At its peak, the club had over 1200 members, today, even with the drawdown, the active membership hovers near 400.

Ignatz, the lion, is the club mascot and emblem. Although Ignatz does not necessarily portray an image of royalty - he is in fact descended from nobility. His great-great grandfather was "Luitpold - Der Loewe Von Baden-Wuerttemberg" and his likeness is emblazoned on the great coat of arms for that state. His great uncle, Heinrich "Der Loewe von Heidelberg," attended the University of Heidelberg and graduated magna cuni felinium. He is memorialized in the city emblem of Heidelberg. His uncle, Pilsner "Der Loewe von Munich," gained prominence as the great lion of traditional excellence at the Loewenbraeu brewery. More recently is cousin, Ham "Der Loewe von Roaringbach," came into prominence as the lion who has introduced a generation of MGM films. Lastly, his sibling, the lovable Gertruda "Die Loewin von Freier Geburt," starred in the film "Born Free."