Event Program 2026

The festival has walks and activities programmed each day. The walk, bike & swim events cater to a range of interests and abilities from beginners to experts.

Note: The Marathon on Saturday & 21km on Saturday and Sunday are IML Association accredited walks. Walkers aged 70+qualify by walking 10Km +/-. Age 80+ qualify by walking 5Km +/-

 All walks are IVV accredited. 

Weekend of Walking/Biking/Swimming - 16 to 18 October 2026

     Day & Start Time                                     Event

       Friday 16th October                                        Registration Opens.

        10.00     

  Friday 16th October                                        Welcome Walk 5/10km. +/- Km. Finish by 6.00pm

        12.00pm to 6.00pm     

       Friday 16th October         US Freedom Festival Bike Ride 30 +/- km

10.00am to 3.00pm

   Friday 16th October           US Freedom Swim (Swim timings and location TBA).

   Friday 4.00pm                             US Freedom Walk Festival Opening Ceremony

  Saturday 17th October Only Start US Freedom Festival Marathon. Start between 7-9.00am. 

7.00am to 1700pm     Finish by 5.00pm.

   Saturday 17th October Start US Freedom Walk 21 +/- km. Finish by 5.00pm.

   8.00am to 10.00am

    Saturday 17th October Start US Freedom Festival Walk 5/10 +/- km. Finish by 5.00pm.

  8.00am to 12.00 noon

Saturday 17th October Start US Freedom Festival Bike Ride 30 +/- km. Finish by 5.00pm.

8.00am to 2.00pm

  Saturday 18th October US Freedom Swim

Times Available at Start

  Saturday 17th October Social Gathering. Including Music 12.30 to 4.30

  12.30pm to 4.30pm

Saturday 17th October               International Dinner - Rocklands-BBQ, Arlington.

6.30pm till Late MUST PRE REGISTER

  Sunday 18th October  Start US Freedom Festival Walk 21 +/- km. Finish by 4.00pm.

  8.00am to 10.00 am

  Sunday 18th October  Start US Freedom Festival Walk 6/12 +/- km. Finish by 4.00pm.

  8.00am to 12.00 noon

  Sunday 18th October Start US Freedom Festival Bike Ride 30 +/- km. Finish by 4.00pm.

  8.00am to 2.00pm

  Sunday 18th October US Freedom Swim.

  Times Available at Start

  Sunday 18th October  Closing Ceremony and Awards

·   At 3.00pm

 Note: Discounts available for walking three days.

  IML & IVV Walking Program - 16 to 18 October 2026

   Day & Start Time Event

Friday 16th October

  10.00am Registration Opens

  Check-in or register and collect registration packets at the Registration

Centre, American Legion Post 139, Sgt. Dorothy M. Doyle, 3445 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201. 

Note: Registration can occur on Saturday or Sunday mornings before the

walk start. Registration opens as per timings listed each day.

Friday 16th October Welcome Walk 5Km / 10Km +/- km, finish by 6.00pm

1200pm - 3.00pm

Friday 16th October Opening Ceremony and celebrations for the start of the festival at the

  4.00pm American Legion.

         All Walks Start and Finish at the AMERICAN LEGION POST 139, 3445 Washington Blvd,Arlington, VA 22201 . 

Day 1 Walks

Saturday 17th October

8.00am Registration Opens

8.00am START TIME: 21 +/- km and  5/10 +/- km.

These walks will follow routes through the Washington DC area and

include some of the National Monuments and buildings that are famous

in the USA.

1230pm - 4.30pm Entertainment on stage with bar at the American Legion.

5.00pm Final Check Point at the American Legion, CLOSES.

6.30pm International Dinner. (Pre booking REQUIRED).

Day 2 Walks

Sunday 18th October

8.00am Registration Opens

8.00am START TIME: 21 +/- km and  6/12 +/- km.

These walks will follow routes largely through the City, Park Areas,

Historical Towns, the Potomac Riverside and points of historical

  interest throughout the area. 

3.00pm Closing Ceremony. A short farewell celebration to participants from

around the world. There will also be presentations of significant IML

achievement awards.

  4.00pm Final Check Point at the American Legion, CLOSES.