Europe Jan. 21, 2026 – Aug 15–16, 2026
Source: https://www.ivv-online.org/walking-worldwide.html https://ivv-web.org/
IVV Events around the World: https://www.ivv-online.org/events.html
Special Events: https://www.ivv-online.org/ivv-olympiad.html
While walking and hiking both involve moving on foot, they are fundamentally different in their technical requirements, environments, and goals. Walking competition (often Olympic-style “Race Walking” or “Sport Walking”) is a high-intensity, technique-driven sport, whereas hiking for amateurs is a recreational activity focused on nature and endurance.
At a Glance: Key Differences
| Feature | Walking Competition (Race/Sport Walking) | Hiking (Amateur/Recreational) |
| Primary Goal | Speed, performance, and beating the clock/competitors. | Recreation, scenery, and personal accomplishment. |
| Terrain | Flat, predictable surfaces (tarmac, tracks, or paved roads). | Uneven, rugged terrain (dirt trails, rocks, roots, and hills). |
| Technique | Highly regulated. Must keep one foot on the ground at all times; straight leg at contact. | “Anything goes” natural gait; focuses on balance and steady rhythm. |
| Pace | Very fast ($4\text{–}5+\text{ mph}$ / $6.5\text{–}8+\text{ km/h}$). | Moderate ($2\text{–}3\text{ mph}$ / $3\text{–}5\text{ km/h}$), influenced by elevation. |
| Main Gear | Lightweight, flexible racing shoes and minimal “kit.” | Sturdy boots or trail shoes, backpacks, and safety gear. |
1. The Physicality & Technique
In a Walking Competition, the movement is “unnatural” and requires significant training.
- The “Straight Leg” Rule: In Olympic Race Walking, your front leg must remain straight from the moment it hits the ground until it passes under your body.
- Constant Contact: You must always have one foot on the ground. Judges will disqualify you if they see “lifting” (both feet off the ground).
- Amateur Hiking is more about endurance and functional strength. You’ll use your core and stabilizers to navigate rocks or mud, and your heart rate is driven by “incline” (climbing hills) rather than raw speed on a flat surface.
2. Terrain & Environment
- Competition: Usually takes place in urban settings or tracks where the surface is consistent. This allows the walker to focus entirely on their stride and cadence without worrying about tripping.
- Hiking: Takes place in the “wild.” The terrain is the challenge. You might encounter steep ascents, stream crossings, or loose gravel. Amateurs often use Naismith’s Rule to plan their time:
Allow 1 hour for every 3 miles (5 km) forward, plus 1 hour for every 2,000 feet (600 m) of ascent.
3. Gear Requirements
- Walking Competitors wear specialized, highly flexible walking shoes (often flatter than running shoes) and moisture-wicking athletic wear designed for maximum range of motion.
- Amateur Hikers need protection. This includes:
- Footwear: Hiking boots for ankle support or “trail runners” for better grip on dirt.
- Trekking Poles: Often used to save the knees during descents.
- The “Ten Essentials”: Navigation (map/GPS), extra food, water, and first aid, as they are often far from civilization.
4. Intensity vs. Duration
A competitive walk is usually a sprint-like effort over specific distances (like 5 K, 20 K, or 50 K). Amateur hiking is often a marathon of time—it’s common for a “day hike” to last 4 to 8 hours, even if the distance covered is relatively small, due to the difficulty of the terrain.
Depending on which type of walking you are interested in (competitive race walking vs. recreational walking/hiking), there are three main international bodies.
1. For Competitive Walking (Athletics)
If you are interested in Race Walking as an Olympic sport with strict rules and competitions:
- Name: World Athletics (formerly IAAF)
- Website: worldathletics.org
- Focus: They govern the technical rules of race walking, manage the World Race Walking Team Championships, and oversee the Olympic walking events.
2. For Recreational & Amateur Walking (Volkssport)
If you are interested in Hiking and organized non-competitive walking events for amateurs (often called “Volkssport”):
- Name: IVV (International Federation of Popular Sports)
- Website: ivv-online.org (and ivv-web.org)
- Focus: This is the largest global organization for recreational walking. They host “Olympiads” for amateurs and issue stamps/awards for distance milestones.
3. For Multi-Day Marching Events
If you are interested in the culture of international walking festivals and multi-day marches:
- Name: IML Walking Association (International Marching League)
- Website: imlwalking.org
- Focus: They organize multi-day walking festivals around the world (like the famous Nijmegen Four Days Marches) and offer a “passport” system for international walkers.
Mammutmarsch (translated as “Mammoth March”) is a popular series of extreme long-distance hiking events. Originating in Germany, it has grown into a major international community challenge designed to test your physical and mental limits.
Unlike a marathon, there is no timekeeping and no winner. The goal is simply to finish.
Core Distances
The events are categorized by distance, with the most famous being the ultra-endurance 100 km challenge.
| Challenge | Distance | Goal Time | Average Finish Rate |
| Little Mammut | 30 km or 42 km | Varies (~8–10 hrs) | ~90% |
| Middle Distance | 55 km or 60 km | ~12–14 hours | ~85% |
| The Classic | 100 km | 24 hours | ~55% |
What to Expect
- The Route: You hike through a mix of urban landscapes and nature (forests, lakes, and trails). The 100 km version typically runs through the night, adding a significant mental challenge.
- Aid Stations: Every 15–20 km, there are stations providing water, snacks (bananas, muesli bars), and sometimes warm food or medical support for blisters.
- The Reward: Finishers receive a medal, a certificate, and often a “finisher drink.” However, most participants say the real reward is the “Wall of Fame” and the camaraderie with fellow “Mammoths.”
- Locations: While it started in Berlin, events now take place across Germany (Munich, Hamburg, Ruhr Area), as well as in Vienna, Copenhagen, Madrid, and various locations in the United States (where it is often branded as MammothMarch).
Is it for you?
It is often described as “10% physical and 90% mental.” While the 30 km hike is accessible to most people with basic fitness, the 100 km march requires serious preparation, high-quality hiking boots, and a lot of willpower.
Note: Because it is a “march” and not a “run,” the pace is usually a brisk walk (around 5 km/h). The challenge comes from the sheer duration and the repetitive strain on your feet.
For 2026, Mammutmarsch has a packed calendar across Europe (under the original German brand) and the United States (branded as MammothMarch).
Below is a breakdown of the confirmed events for the 2026 season.
🇪🇺 Europe & International Events
In Europe, events range from “Little Mammut” (30–55 km) to the full 100 km “Classic” challenges.
| Event | Date | Distances |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Feb. 21, 2026 | 30 / 50 / 100 KM |
| Leipzig | Mar 7, 2026 | 30 / 42 / 55 KM |
| München I | Mar 14, 2026 | 30 / 55 KM |
| München II | Mar 15, 2026 | 30 KM |
| Hamburg | Mar 28, 2026 | 30 / 50 KM |
| Wien | Apr. 11, 2026 | 30 / 50 KM |
| Ruhrgebiet | Apr. 25, 2026 | 30 / 42 / 55 KM |
| Nürnberg | May 9, 2026 | 30 / 42 / 55 KM |
| Berlin | May 16–17, 2026 | 75 / 100 KM |
| Bilbao | May 30, 2026 | 30 / 50 KM |
| Dresden | Jun 6, 2026 | 30 / 50 KM |
| Mannheim | Jun 27, 2026 | 30 / 42 / 60 KM |
| Essen | Jul 18–19, 2026 | 75 / 100 KM |
| München (Classic) | Aug 1–2, 2026 | 75 / 100 KM |
| Kopenhagen | Aug 15–16, 2026 | 75 / 100 KM |
Source: https://mammutmarsch.de/
For 2026, Mammutmarsch has a packed calendar across Europe (under the original German brand) and the United States (branded as MammothMarch).
Below is a breakdown of the confirmed events for the 2026 season.
🇪🇺 Europe & International Events
In Europe, events range from “Little Mammut” (30–55 km) to the full 100 km “Classic” challenges.
| Date | Location | Distances |
| Feb 21 | Madrid, Spain | 30 / 50 / 100 km |
| Mar 7 | Leipzig, Germany | 30 / 42 / 55 km |
| Mar 14–15 | Munich, Germany | 30 / 55 km |
| Apr 11 | Duisburg (NRW), Germany | 30 / 42 / 55 km |
| May 16–17 | Berlin, Germany | 100 km / 75 km |
| Jun (Early) | Vienna, Austria | 30 / 55 km |
| Jun (Late) | Mannheim, Germany | 42 / 60 km |
| Aug 1–2 | Munich, Germany | 100 km / 75 km |
| Sep 26 | Hannover, Germany | 30 / 42 / 55 km |
| Nov 21 | Barcelona, Spain | 30 / 50 km |
🇺🇸 United States Events (MammothMarch)
The U.S. events typically focus on a 20-mile (32 km) single-circuit challenge, though some locations now offer a 30-mile option.
| Date | Location | Notable Venue |
| Jan 31 | Northeast Florida | Dunns Creek State Park |
| Feb 14 | Arizona | McDowell Mountain Regional Park |
| Feb 21 | Texas | Dinosaur Valley State Park |
| Mar 7 | Arkansas | Pinnacle Mountain State Park |
| Mar 28 | Oregon | Silver Falls State Park |
| Apr 11 | Virginia | Pocahontas State Park |
| May 2 | Alabama | Oak Mountain State Park |
| Jun 6 | Boston, MA | Wompatuck State Park |
| Jun 27–28 | Wisconsin | Northern Kettle Moraine |
| Aug 8 | Upstate New York | Letchworth State Park |
| Oct 3 | North Carolina | Lake James State Park |
Key Tips for 2026
- Sell-outs: The U.S. events and the Berlin 100 km tend to sell out months in advance. If you see a date you like, it’s best to grab a “Super Early Bird” ticket.
- Multiple Days: Some popular locations (like Munich or Wisconsin) now offer both Saturday and Sunday starts to accommodate more hikers.
- The “100 km” Goal: If you are eyeing a 100 km march, the Berlin (May) and Munich (August) events are the flagship “Classic” challenges.
