Almost 43.400 walkers started the 105th edition of the Nijmegen Four Days Marches this morning.
On Monday evening the weather gods gave their blessing to the start of the 105th edition of the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. The skies over the Wedren remained clear and dry, bringing a sense of relief after days of fleeing downpours. The weather forecast for Tuesday remains just as favourable, with predictions of 24 degrees and not a drop of rain. This year's Four Days Marches in Nijmegen had an incredible number of almost 43.400 participants, who started their walking adventure on Tuesday morning.
The 'safety car' is a new addition to the Nijmegen Four Days Marches, introduced by the organization to ensure that walkers who go for a fast finish do not end up in risky situations. It is not allowed for the smooth runners to pass this safety car. This promotion is mainly aimed at a select group of walkers, including a wheelchair user, who each year aim to be the first to reach the finish line at the Wedren. They complete the 50 kilometer route so quickly that the front runners arrive in Nijmegen before 10.00 am.
disqualification
It is not only forbidden to overtake the 'safety car', but it also entails risks. Fast walkers who choose to ignore the 'safety car' risk missing a mobile checkpoint. This may lead to disqualification upon arrival. It is important to note that the rules of the event explicitly prohibit running or speed walking.
The KRO-NCRV program 'The Feeling of the Four Days Marches' with Fons de Poel, Sosha Duysker and forester Tim Hogenbosch at the helm, provides daily coverage of the event. Their mission? Bringing the meaning of the world's largest walking event to viewers through reportage, portraits and historical notes.
The first day of the 105th edition, better known as the Day of Elst, takes walkers through the center of Elst, the Betuwe and over the dike between Lent and Oosterhout. But what is a four-day event without a party? The village of Elst has given its name to the Blue Tuesday, and the center of the village is bustling with festivities. The streets are decorated, the music is loud and clear and the supporters are ready to cheer the walkers with joy and enthusiasm.
Tears, blisters, laughter, talking, partying and walking thousands of kilometers: these are the ingredients that make the Four Days Marches such a special event. The feeling of the Four Days Marches is back and promises another four days of exciting events, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments for participants and spectators alike.
