The Maple Leaf March individual rewards are divided into two categories: medals and coins.

In order to receive the Maple Leaf March medal, walkers between the ages of 12 and 69 must complete a minimum of 20 kilometres per day on each day of the event (2 x 20 km). Walkers below or above those ages who complete a minimum of 10 kilometres on each day of the event (2 x 10 km) will also receive the medal.

Walkers of any age who successfully complete a regulation distance lower than the minimum distance assigned to their age and walkers who complete any regulation distance virtually will be awarded the coin.

Age cut-offs are based on the year of the walker’s birth but also on the year in which the walker will turn that age. For example, if a walker will turn 12 years old during the year but is still only 11 years old on the date of the Maple Leaf March, they will be deemed to be 12 years old for the purpose of the March.

Regulation distances eligible for the Maple Leaf March rewards can only be achieved in person on the Saturday and Sunday of the event. The Friday evening icebreaker walks do not count towards the rewards; they are social activities designed for sightseeing and team building. The decision to award IVV distance stamps for the Friday evening walks rests with the Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF) and IML Walking Association delegates to the event.

Maple Leaf March medals are available in four categories:

BRONZE medals are awarded to participants who complete one through four Maple Leaf March editions (with numerals for the second, third, and fourth completion).

SILVER medals are awarded to participants who complete five through nine Maple Leaf March editions (with numerals for the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth completion).

GOLD medals are awarded to participants who complete 10 through 24 Maple Leaf March editions (with numerals for the eleventh through twenty-fourth completion).

PLATINUM medals are awarded to participants who complete 25 Maple Leaf March editions or more (with numerals for all completions beyond the twenty-fifth).

The Maple Leaf March MEDAL

The centre of the Maple Leaf March medal holds a maple leaf, an internationally known symbol of Canada that gives the March its name. A five branch star is superimposed on the maple leaf and metaphorically represents a human silhouette, people being at the heart of the Maple Leaf March.

The medal is attached to a ribbon with seven stripes:

The three red bands and the two white bands (and their disposition) represent the Canadian flag.

The colour red is associated with vitality, determination, and inner strength (all qualities that are important for long distance walkers).

The colour white represents simplicity, walking being a simple and accessible activity.

The green band represents nature and the outdoors in which the participants in the Maple Leaf March walk as well as health, one of the many benefits of walking.

The orange band symbolizes success, encouragement, friendship, enthusiasm, and optimism (once again, all concepts that are integral parts of long-distance walking). The orange band also represents the colour of the leaves in the fall, the period of the year during which the Maple Leaf March takes place. In Canada, the colour orange is also associated with reconciliation with the First Nations.

Taken together, the orange and green stripes are also an homage to the Nijmegen Four Days Walk, the oldest and biggest long distance walking event in the world. This nod is particularly appropriate given the very significant role played by Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. The 1st Canadian Army notably wintered in the suburbs of Nijmegen from December 1944 to February 1945, defending the city against Nazi forces and using it as a bridgehead for future operations.

The Maple Leaf March MEDAL

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