And they’re off: 43,000 people start the four-day Nijmegen march

Over 43,000 walkers are taking part in this year’s Nijmegen Vierdaagse – the traditional four-day march which takes place every summer.

The march began before dawn on Tuesday, with walkers opting to cover 30, 40 or 50 kilometres a day over the four-day event.

Today’s march is not expected to pose much in the way of problems for the participants, with temperatures only expected to reach up to 23 Celsius. However, later in the week, the temperature is set to soar as high as 40 Celsius.

Walkers are being advised to wear a hat, use sun-tan lotion and drink a lot to see them through the hotter days.

Army

The walkers include Bert van der Lans, 82, who is hoping to complete his 67th march and set a new record. Van der Lans is taking part in the 40 kilometre a day event and is accompanied by his daughter, who is taking part in her 32nd walk.

The first Vierdaagse, or four-day march, was held in 1909 as a way of keeping the army fit after the introduction of motor vehicles. This year, 5,000 soldiers from 29 different countries are among the participants.

Nijmegen’s is the most famous event. However, there are all sorts of variants on the Vierdaagse theme, such as the Avondvierdaagse, which involves walking in the evening and is mainly done by primary school children.

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