Volksmarching not about competition, just fun

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Airlines reward frequent fliers, so it's only fitting that the sport of volksmarching offers a rewards program for frequent walker miles.

From left: John Oszajca, Ruby Fukuyama, BS McEwen, Charlotte Sullivan, Marsha Okada and Gilbert Okada stroll through Kaka'ako Park. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

More than 60 members belong to the Menehune Marchers, the main volksmarching organization in Hawai'i.

The Hawai'i organization, which also sponsors volks-swims, belongs to national and international organizations. There are clubs in every state.

Translated from German as "sport of the people," Volkssport evolved from public running races in Southern Germany in the early 1960s and now includes swimming, bicycling and ski wandering (a form of cross-country skiing).

The events are not considered contests of speed or endurance, and participants perform at their own pace.

"I joke and say running is bad for your health because it causes other problems," said John Oszajca, vice president of the Menehune Marchers. "Walking is low-impact."

Oszajca said the appeal of volksmarching lies in the sport's unique bonuses and rewards.

Participants can earn certificates, pins and patches upon finishing a walk and by reaching certain milestones, such as completing 10 or more events and logging 310 miles or more.

Participants record their finishes and distances on special cards and books that can be purchased for a few dollars.

They then mail those documents for rewards.

"Because of that incentive, some people get very caught up in that," Oszajca said.

Wai'anae's BS McEwen is one of those people.

In addition to finishing all six sanctioned courses on O'ahu, McEwen has completed a sanctioned walk in all 50 states.

"We do it for fun, fitness and fellowship," said McEwen, who lists walks in West Point, N.Y., and Niagara, N.Y., as some of her favorites. "While you're walking and getting blisters on top of that, you might as well get credit for it in your record books. Being able to get credit for it in our record books is what spurs me on to do more walks."

McEwen said she started walking in Wai'anae's Pilila'au Park to relieve stress and joined the Menehune Marchers in the late 80s. She has completed more than 300 events and logged more than 1,600 miles.

"I think (walking) made me stronger," McEwen said. "It's given me the exercise that I would have not gotten otherwise.

"I wish we had sanctioned events for all of the islands and clubs on all of the islands. Maybe eventually we will."

Oszajca said McEwen is one of three or four people in the Menehune Marchers club to have completed a sanctioned walk in all 50 states.

The Menehune Marchers sponsors "year-round" sanctioned events on O'ahu and the Big Island.

Oszajca said the Waikiki, Kahala and Diamond Head walks are popular with the Japanese tourists because of the scenic routes.

Other walks go through downtown, Kailua and Manoa Valley.

Since the walks are year-round, participants can do them anytime and receive credit upon finishing. The club also offers special, one-day-only events.

Oszajca said he wants to get new members into the club.

He said most of the members range in age from 40 to 60, but the club does have some children who participate.

Membership is $12 annually.

The club meets about once a month for walks.

"It's a great way to meet new people," Oszajca said. "And because it's non competitive, you can do it at any speed you want. You can stop and have breakfast along the way, or lunch."

SITES TO SEE

• American Volkssport Association: http://www.ava.org/

• Internationaler Volkssportverband, International Federation of Popular Sports http://www.ivv.org/

• Menehune Marchers: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/9559/

• For Menehune Marchers information: John Oszajca, (808) 263-8288 or e-mail at mmarchers@hawaii.rr.com.