The Nijmegen 'Four Day Marches' : a gruelling, though truly exhilarating and rewarding experience

Gary Martinic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract

Known as the International Four Day Marches in Nijmegen (or ‘Vierdaagse’ meaning ‘the Four Days’ in Dutch) have been run every year in mid-July in Nijmegen, Holland, since 1909. It is an event that sees both civilian and military participants walk either 30, 40 or 50km daily depending on their age and gender, and on completion, they receive a royally-approved medal, known as the Vierdaagse Cross (or ‘Cross for Marching Proficiency’). Originally a military event with few civilians, it is now mainly a civilian event. Vierdaagse De 4 Daagse is done over 4 days (18-21 July). In 2017, registered participants numbered 42, 036 participants, 5,500 of these were military participants, with 3,627 participants which did not complete the event. This has become such a popular marching event that armed forces and cadet participants from all over the world send contingents to take part in the marches. During 2019, over 50 nations were represented at Camp Heumensoord, or ‘Camp H’ the military basecamp. Military teams can have a minimum of 11 participants, or up to 30 personnel, but they can also march as individuals.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)86-89
Number of pages4
JournalAustralian Air Power Today
Volume3
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Nijmegen 'Four Day Marches' : a gruelling, though truly exhilarating and rewarding experience'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this