Kleve: Students brave the heat and celebrate the Vierdaagse finish!

Kleve: Students brave the heat and celebrate the Vierdaagse finish!

Many hiking enthusiasts are currently experiencing a very special adventure around Nijmegen while the 107th edition of the Nijmegen Vierdaagse is being celebrated. This impressive event, first launched in 1909, has now become the largest walking competition in the world. Participants from 82 nations, including Afghanistan, Ireland, Sweden and Vietnam, are taking part to walk up to 220 kilometers in just four days. The atmosphere along the routes is unique, say the students Romy and Ida from the Freiherr-vom-Stein-Gymnasium in Kleve and rave about the cheering spectators who serve refreshments and create a festive atmosphere with loud music. Anyone traveling in the city will experience a big celebration at the most famous destination - the Via Gladiola - where hikers are welcomed with gladioli and medals. WDR reports that all participants want to arrive at the finish dancing.

With so much cheering, it's hard to imagine that not all participants were able to hold on. Two students from the hiking group from Kleve had to give up due to fever and gastrointestinal problems. Their teacher, Michael Thölking, who teaches Dutch at the high school, motivates the rest of the group to overcome all the physical challenges in the final meters. The remaining participants are fit and determined to continue the hike after a short break. The youngest participant in particular, who is only 11 years old, radiates a cheerful energy with her broad smile despite her tiredness.

A celebration for the whole family

The Nijmegen Vierdaagse is not only an experience for the participants, but also for the whole family. In addition to the challenging hikes for adults, there are special offers for children, such as the Avondvierdaagse, where they can take part in shorter distances. The organizers have also catered for non-participants: the Vierdaagse Feesten with music and events for children will take place throughout. Here we celebrate as if it were the most beautiful day of the year!

Every year they, the participants, from young to old, come to take on this challenge. The average age of the participants is 47.2 years – a diverse mix, the largest group of which is between 61 and 70 years old. Men and women aged 15 and over tackle 40 kilometers per day over the four days, while the most ambitious participants under 18 years of age even have to cover 50 kilometers per day. This tremendous physical achievement is rewarded at the finish: a “kruisje” (cross) symbolizes the “manifest marching ability”, the perseverance achieved during the competition.

The organizers also point out the changeable weather – a typical feature of the summer months in the Netherlands. While heartwarming weather of up to 23 degrees is forecast for the first few days, the last few days could be hotter, up to 30 degrees, coupled with possible thunderstorms. All participants are advised to prepare carefully and be careful when selecting their equipment. Dutch News reports In addition, many participants use the optional 4Daagse app to keep track of sanitary facilities and water points at all times.

The history of the Vierdaagse may have its origins in military fitness programs, but it has long since become an event that brings people of all ages together and inspires them. A digital encyclopedia ensures that the stories and memories of this special event are preserved. If you would like to find out more about the historical background, you can find all the information on the website Nijmegen Vierdaagse. Whether it's the legendary routes, the impressive numbers of participants or the warm, cheering spectators - the Vierdaagse has a special atmosphere that makes every hiker's heart beat faster.