Taking advantage of springlike weather, 65 people strolled along the Kansas River and then downtown Lawrence during the fifth annual New Year’s Day Volkswalk.

Because of the balmy conditions, Sandy and Paul Liechti were shedding layers of clothing as they completed the 10-kilometer trek.

“I decided it was a nice day for a walk,” Sandy said. “I’m a tag-along,” Paul added.

The walk was sponsored by the Free State Walkers, which encourages noncompetitive walks and is part of the American Volkssports Assn. The association sponsors 3,000 walking events each year across the nation.

“You walk at your own pace. There’s no hurry, no reward for being first,” said Will Burris, president of Free State Walkers.

The walks are open to anyone, but those who are members of AVA carry passportlike books to be stamped and can earn badges as part of the event.

Bob and Sue Lowden and friends from the Independence, Mo., area have traveled to Lawrence for the walk for three years.

Pete and JoAnn Moroz, of Lee's Summit Mo., lead a group of walkers along Sixth Street during a 10-kilometer walk organized by the Free State Walkers. The fifth annual walk started and finished Thursday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The Morozes said they made the trip every year.

Bob Lowden said he started volkswalking in the Army while stationed in Germany. Always looking for something to do, he said, a friend invited him to go on a walk.

“Once I went, I was hooked,” he said. However, he added, the Germans mixed their walks with eating.

“At the checkpoints, they would sell this split-pea soup with brats in it. They were in these large bowls, looked like big dog bowls. It would take you a half-hour to get through it,” he said.

Dan Kirk and Charles McLean were with the Bowdens for the walk. Kirk said he and his friend tried to take a walk at least once a month. He said it was good for their health and friendship.

Jane Tedder, treasurer of Free State Walkers, said the group’s next walk in Lawrence would be May 1 and would highlight Civil War events in the area.

“It’s just to encourage people to get out there and exercise,” Tedder said of the walks.

6News video: Volkwalkers greet the new year More about the Free State Walkers