4Daagse or the Nijmegen March

It is the world’s largest walking event where participants walk 30, 40, or 50 km per day for four days, depending on age and gender. The routes go around the Dutch city of Nijmegen in a four-leaf clover pattern. The number of participants is large, nearly 50,000 people participate every year, of which approximately 5,000 are military personnel from many different countries. The Nordic countries are well-represented, accounting for nearly a third of the military participants.

The history of the Nijmegen March began in 1908 and has been held every year except during the World Wars and during the COVID-19 epidemic. In 2006, the march was aborted due to extreme heat, and in 2022, Tuesday’s march was canceled for the same reason.

In the military category, where we ourselves walk, the route differs slightly from the civilian routes. The start and finish are at Camp Heumensoord instead of inside the city center.

Men under 50 years old must also carry an extra weight of at least 10 kg, meaning the backpack weighs around 14 kg with water and other necessities. When participating in the march, you must be prepared for it to be both physically and mentally demanding. Pounding the asphalt wears down both body and mind.

One Big Public Festival

What we from here don’t quite understand until you have actually been there is what an enormous public festival it is. Every time you walk through a community, you are welcomed by throbbing Dutch music, cheering spectators, and children lined up for high-fives.

The spectators do everything to give you the energy to get through the day, and it might be needed, especially the first time you walk. You are not quite prepared for what you have gotten yourself into, and nervousness affects motivation when the body starts to get tired.

But the festivities are not just during the marching days; they also occur in the days before. There are concerts and other events for those who want to go out and party a bit.

Saturday and Sunday evenings are especially good if you feel like participating in cultural events. During the marching days, you don’t have much energy, so you shower, eat, and sleep when you get back.

You cannot talk about the 4Daagse without mentioning the last 5 km, which is called “Via Gladiola.” If the weather is good, there can be a couple of hundred thousand spectators doing everything to get you to the finish line. There are hugs, free beer, and a lot of cheering.

Summary

The Nijmegen March is something everyone should try at least once in their lives. It is tough but very rewarding. The memories you gain are admittedly embellished with time, but they remain. The fact that you also receive an official medal doesn’t make things worse.

“Hang in there, only two kilometers left!” – An unnamed NCO