International Four Days Marches Nijmegen - Definition and Overview

The International Four Day Marches Nijmegen (or Vierdaagse) is the largest marching event in the world. It is organised every year in Nijmegen in mid-July as a means of promoting sport and exercise. Participants walk 30, 40 or 50 kilometers daily, and, on completion, receive a royally approved medal (Vierdaagsekruis). The participants are mostly civilians, but there are also a few thousand military.

History

The Vierdaagse was first organised in 1909. Since then, the number of participants has increased gradually until the current figure of around 45,000.

Vierdaagsefeesten

During the week of the Vierdaagse the accompanying festivities (known as the Vierdaagsefeesten) always draw a large crowd.

Military Participation

Armed forces from all over the world send contingents to take part in the marches. In recent years the military participants have numbered approximately ten thousand. Military teams typically march in units and sing marching songs, and as a result are very popular with the crowds.

Recent

In 2004 there were 44,638 participants of which 39,711 completed the march.

The next Vierdaagse will be held from July 19 until July 22, 2005. Registration starts on February 7, 2005. See the official Vierdaagse site (http://www.4daagse.nl).

External links

• Official Vierdaagse site (http://www.4daagse.nl)
• www.vierdaagse.nl
• vierdaagse.pagina.nl