Nijmegen four-day march starts
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Thousands of people were up before dawn to start walking. Photo: WFA
A total 41,272 people have signed up for this year's Nijmegen Vierdaagse, or four-day march, which traditionally starts on the third Tuesday in July.
The first walkers started off at 04.00 hours to cover either 30, 40 or 50 kilometres. This year's event includes 5,000 soldiers from 32 different countries who are covering the 40 kilometre route with a 10 kilo backpack.
Showers are forecast for today and tomorrow's walkers. The walk ends on Friday.
The first Vierdaagse was held in 1909 as a way of keeping the army fit after the introduction of motor vehicles. There are all sorts of variants on the theme, such as the Avondvierdaagse, which involves walking in the evening and is mainly done by primary school children.
Photo: WFA
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