The International Four Days Marches is the annual event promoting sport and exercise, which takes place in mid-July in Nijmegen, the largest city in the Dutch province of Gelderland.
Event Highlights
Known also as the Walk of the World, the popular event originated in 1909. The walk lasts four days, and the participants have to cover 30, 40, and 50 kilometers (18, 24, and 31 miles) each day. A few thousand of these people are also military and walk with their backpacks weighing 10 kg (22 lb) 40 kilometers daily. When walkers approach the finish line, the public awards them with gladioli flowers, a symbol of victory in Roman times. People usually reserve spaces alongside the finish line, called Via Gladiola, long in advance, putting chairs and even couches. The major aim of the walk is to promote a healthy lifestyle. However, if you are not that much into sports, there is also a festival in Nijmegen offering a mixture of good music and superb food.
Festivities
The Four Days Marches kicks off annually on the third Tuesday of July, but the festivities begin even earlier. The Vierdaagsefeesten commence on the Saturday preceding the event, setting the city abuzz with celebrations. Drawing over one and a half million visitors, the Vierdaagsefeesten has solidified its status as the Netherlands' largest open event. Nijmegen's city center pulsates with life as it showcases its diversity: over 1,000 performances across 40 stages cater to every musical taste, from pop to classical, rock to techno, and jazz. Amidst the urban hustle, there's respite in parks, beaches, exhibitions, plays, workshops, and talks.
The Four Days Marches commence on Sunday as the first walkers converge at De Wedren. The Flag Parade, a vibrant display featuring 1,500 participants from various countries, sets the festive tone. Marching to De Wedren, they inaugurate The Walk of the World with the hoisting of flags representing around 70 nations, accompanied by the resonant chorus of the Four Days Marches Song.
How to join
Participation in the 106th Four Days Marches requires a fee of €115, payable upon registration via the official website's registration module. Upon payment, participants will receive a confirmation email securing their spot for the 2024 event. Additionally, personalized certificates are available to commemorate your walking achievement: opt for a paper version at €15 or a digital copy for €3.50.
