THE INTERNATIONAL MARCHING LEAGUE (IML).

Introduction

The IML was founded in a special meeting held in Tokyo in 1987. The aim was to set up an international non-political, non-profit making organisation to promote multi-day walking events throughout the world. Eight countries were represented at this meeting; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and Switzerland. One of the main aims was to encourage other countries to join the League and it has been very successful in this respect, as shown by the list of countries that have since applied for membership.

To become a member of the IML, each country can nominate one national walk to represent the nation. This is usually a walk that has already been established for a number of years and has a good reputation. The only exception to this rule so far is with the United States of America which has been given special dispensation to hold two walks.

The rules for the walks themselves are quite simple. The walk needs to be held over at least two consecutive days (four days is the longest so far), and each day a minimum of 20 kilometres (about 12.5 miles) needs to be completed. These distances are deliberately set so as not to be too strenuous to any fit and active adult, thereby encouraging increased participation. None of the events are races or competitive in any form. This encourages co-operation rather than confrontation and helps foster the spirit of friendship.

The Awards System

To encourage entrants for these events, it was decided to start an awards scheme. On completion of their first event, a walker can purchase an IML Passport for a small sum. Proof of completion of the walk is usually necessary and then the stamp or sticker for that event is entered into the book. They can also purchase a bronze bar engraved with the name of the country. These bars can be purchased in every country and are worn on the International Walker Medal.

From then on, each time a walker completes an event, they receive the appropriate stamp in their passport. Each page has spaces for three stamps/stickers and the aim is to have entries from three different countries on each page, encouraging walkers to take parts in events in different countries.

Once the first page is completed with three different entries, the International Walker Medal can be purchased. This is in bronze and bears the inscription "Nos iungat ambulaire" - "Let walking unite us".

The next series of three walks completed entitles the walker to buy a bronze figure two to attach to the medal. After another three, number three is awarded. The next three walks leads to the issue of a silver medal. Silver bars for each country can then be purchased, for display on the medal. Five and six are silver numbers.

On completion of a series of 21 walks, the gold medal can be bought. Gold bars are then awarded for each country. From then on completed series lead to numbers. After ten series (30 events) the medal is gold with laurel leaves. After 25 series (75 walks), a blue and gold medal is awarded to those with that much perserverance (and money!)

Walkers who visit several countries can purchase extra long ribbons on which to attach all their country bars. Walkers who complete all the original eight member countries walks are given the title International Master Walker. Their name is entered into a register of achievement and they are given a unique certificate and a silver or gold clip (depending on the number of walks they have completed) for attachment to their International Walker Medal.

For those who complete eight different European Walks, a European Walker award has been instituted. This is awarded by the issuing of a special certificate and a clip for the International Walker Medal.

Further Information

All the current IML events are listed on the main page. Where extra information is available, the country will be highlighted and take you to another page with more information. The provisional official page of the IML-secretary (in English/Nederlands) is at http://www.molyvos.net/~ton/imllinks.html.