US FREEDOMWALK Festival^®

“A walking challenge for the world.”

Created in 2000 for the new millennium!
Walking diplomacy, one step at a time ^tm

Your host is:
Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., the Acting Surgeon General of the United States. As the nation's top public health physician, the Surgeon General communicates the best science, evidence, and data to the American people in order for them to make healthy choices that impact their health, safety, and security.  He is also commander of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the US Public Health Service.

Event Description

Phone: 703-583-5006
Fax:     703-583-5006

Email: info@usfreedomwalk.org

This non-competitive walking sport event is called volksmarching.  It is a walk for fitness, fun, and fellowship only… with the chance to learn something about the U.S. and about other walkers from around  the world.

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 was named the “Number 1 Walking City in 2005” by the American Podiatric Society.

Saturday’s 6/12/21/44 km ( 3 / 6 / 12 / 27 mile) walks go by the embassies, memorials, the National Mall, all three branches of the federal government and Arlington Cemetery. The 44 km ultra marathon travels around some of the best trails in Arlington after visiting Washington, D.C.  Walk “around the world in a day.”

Sunday’s 6/12/21/32 km ( 3 / 6 / 12 / 18 mile) 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)

Schedule of events for 2008:           Start                         End

Friday walk:                                            12 to 3 pm             6 pm

Friday International mixer                6 pm       

Saturday 44 km walk:                          7 to 7:30 am          5 pm

           Opening ceremony                 8:30 am
           21 km trail:                                 9 am to 11              5 pm

           All other trails:                          9 am to 12              5 pm
Saturday Dinner at hotel                    6 pm

Sunday 32 km walk:                            7 am to 8                4 pm
           21 km trail:                                 8 am to 10              4 pm
           Shorter trails:                            9 am to 12              4 pm

Closing ceremony                                4 pm

Stipulations
—Everyone is welcome!

—For safety on this walk carry only team flags or flags of your country, state, or city.  Please no political signs or banners at this sporting event.

—Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

—Walks are not appropriate for pets due to building and local restrictions.

—Some trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

—Event will be held regardless of conditions unless safety is threatened by dangerous weather or a national emergency.

—Everyone must sign an athletic waiver and must register.

—Please, no littering—ever.

—Refunds are not available.

To contact us:

Arlington, Virginia

Some trails are part of the American Discovery Trail, a national trail system from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific.