The second annual Northwest Nebraska Volksmarch is planned for May 20 at Chadron State Park. Explore the park during the annual Free Fishing and Free Park Entry Day and enjoy a group hike with family and friends.

Sponsored by the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association in conjunction with the Omaha Trailblazers Volksmarch Club, the event will take walkers around the park on 5K and 10K non-competitive hikes. Volksmarching developed in Europe in the 1960s as a form of fitness walking, and today thousands of events are held around the world annually.

“The NNTA is excited to partner with the Trailblazers and Discover Northwest Nebraska again to host the Volksmarch,” said NNTA President Brittany Helmbrecht. “We had a great turnout last year and anticipate as much interest again this year. The route at Chadron State Park is mostly paved and can accommodate more abilities and modalities.”

Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 50 participants from five states take to the trails at Chadron State College. Registration for the 2023 Volksmarch is open at  https://forms.gle/uspmtHNyYqW8uQZA7. Those who register by April 30 will receive a free t-shirt. Cost to enter is just $3/person. Walkers can start their walk anytime between 8-11 a.m. and must finish the course by 2 p.m.

“Working with the Trailblazers and NNTA, Northwest Nebraska also has established three seasonal or year-round Volksmarch trails, sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “Trails are located at Agate Fossil Beds, Chadron State College and the White River Trail between Crawford and Fort Robinson.”

Visit https://discovernwnebraska.com/volksmarch/ to learn more about the seasonal and year-round volksmarch offerings.

“We’d also like to thank Chadron State Park for hosting our second event, along with Chadron Community Hospital and Panhandle Public Health for coming on board as additional sponsors,” Rempp said.