IML Walking Association

The IML Walking Association, until 2006 the International Marching League (IML), is a non-profit organization which promotes recreational walking in the form of international non-competitive multi-day walking events ("marches") in its member countries.^[1] The motto of the organization is Nos iungat ambulare ("May walking bring us together").

History

IML originated from activities of the Dutch organization KNBLO (now the KWBN) who organises the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen and who upon the success of this event and increasing participation of foreign walkers helped to establish similar events in other countries, beginning in the late 1960s. These events include Hærvejsmarchen in Denmark, Marche international de Diekirch in Diekirch, the International Four Days March in Castlebar, and the Two Days Marches of Bern. In 1977 the Japan Walking Association established the Japan Three Day March, the first multi-day walking event in Japan, whereby organized non-competitive walking events were no longer exclusive to Europe. In 1986 the multi-day walking event organizations of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland agreed to form the IML which was officially founded in 1987. Since then, membership has steadily increased. Since 1990 the United Kingdom is represented by the International Waendel Walk in Wellingborough.In 2006 the general meeting of the participating organizations decided to take the current title.^[2]

Activities

IML Medaille

The IML Walking Association promotes a series of walking events in 27 countries, subdivided into the European Region (including Israel) and the Pan Pacific Region (including Canada and the USA).^[3] Normally, there is only one authorized IML event per member country, but a second can be accepted under certain conditions, in particular if it is held at a sufficient distance from the first and in a different topography. New member events can be admitted if they have been held for three years and offer routes over a minimum distance of 20 km per day, and are first accepted as a candidate event and then as a mamber event by the General Meeting.^[4] Some events have been discontinued in the meantime.

Walkers participating in the events may buy a "passport" in which the successful participation is recorded, and may also obtain medals and certificates based upon the number of completed walks.^[5] Each walking event has a minimum duration of two days of walking, and the minimum distance to be covered per day to count towards the IML records is 20 km. Most events also offer walks over shorter and longer distances. Entry fees are moderate compared to competitive racing events.^[1]

In the tradition of the Four Days Marches of Nijmegen which started as a training event for the Dutch military, the IML events are also attended by military units.

External links

• "Welcome". IML Walking Association.

References