It is the second annual Alpine Helen Volkswanderung 5K or 10k “German Style” walk/hike event in Helen, GA. This year the race is scheduled for Saturday, April 27.
Racers can choose between a 5k (3.1 miles) or 10k (6.2 miles). The 5K walk will take place on sidewalks and paved walkways from Helen to Hardman Farm and back. This pathway is flat and perfect for strollers. The 10K hike is on established trails in hilly terrain along the foothills of Unicoi State Park.
Sponsors of the race include the Alpine Helen Volksmarsch Club, Helen Rotary Club, Perdido Key Volksmarsch & Walking Club, the Helen Welcome Center along with various others.
The return of the event
Rod Powell, President of Alpine Helen and Perdido Key Volksmarsh & Walking Club, recently returned from Germany. He has been an avid supporter of the Volksmarsch Club and when he lived in Perdido Key, Florida, used to bring groups up for the event because of the authentic Alpine atmosphere in Helen.
Around 2011, Helen stopped putting on the event. When Powell relocated to the area of Helen, he brought the Alpine Helen Volkswanderung back. Volksmarsh or Volkswanderung is a German-style walk or hike. It is a leisurely, enjoyable hike through Germany.
“We are excited to host this event for the second year! We intend to again make this an annual ‘Bavarian Style’ marquee-hiking and walking event in beautiful Helen, Georgia, on the fourth Saturday of April every year,” said Powell.
Jerry Brown, the Executive Director of the White County and Helen Convention Visitors Bureau, loves this event. Last year was the first time it had been done in many years. “We were very surprised by the number of people who came last year and believe that number will be even bigger this year.”
Brown is involved with the Rotary Club as well. All proceeds from the event will go to the Rotary Club for the benefit of the community.
The start of the race
The starting location of the event will be at the Bodensee German Restaurant located at 64 Munich Strasse, Helen. Participants can register and start walking anytime between 8-10 a.m. Should the event be canceled due to severe weather, it will be rescheduled for April 28, 2024, at the same time and location.
The event is open to the public. There is no pre-registration. All registration will be on the day of the race. The registration fee is $3.00 by cash or check only. Children under 12 years of age walk free but must be accompanied by an adult. Water will be provided at the start and finish checkpoints at no cost. Following the event, refreshments and Bavarian bratwurst will be available at the finish for walkers from noon to 2 p.m.
For more information visit Alpine Village Volkswanderung 5K or 10K.
