In a world filled with challenges, our veterans deserve unwavering support and we’re here to provide mental health, employment, and care coordination programmes to help them get back on their feet. Join us in shaping a future where veterans thrive and families flourish – honouring the past and empowering the present.

Originally, a military training event for the Dutch infantry, since 1928 the 4 Days (Vierdaagse) has attracted armed forces personnel from many countries. The U.S. Army first took part in 1947, the United Kingdom in 1950 and Canada in 1952, with service contingents now also regularly travelling from Germany, Scandinavia, Switzerland, and others.

There are many reasons for us competing in this 4-day event, I am personally connected to Nijmegen through my dad, a former Dutch army Soldier, who grew up there, and would have seen many of these events. Also, as former members of the British Army, both Tim and I decided to take on the challenge whilst also raising some money for a very worthwhile charity.

A little History of the 4 Day Marches

The International Four Day Marches is the largest multiple day marching event in the world. It is organised every year in Nijmegen, Netherlands in mid-July as a means of promoting sport and exercise. Participants walk 30 km (19 mi), 40 km (25 mi) or 50 km (31 mi) daily, depending on their age and gender and, on completion, receive a royally approved medal. Originally a military event with a few civilians, it now is a mainly civilian event. Numbers have risen in recent years, with over 40,000 civilians taking part annually, including about 5,000 military.

The four-day event is an annual walk that has taken place since 1909. Based in Nijmegen since 1925, it now takes place in the third week of July. In 2016 it celebrated the 100th edition (reflecting that the marches were curtailed during the two world wars).

Each day of the marches is named for the biggest town on the daily route.

Day 1 (Blue Tuesday) is the day of Elst.

Day 2 (Pink Wednesday) the day of Wijchen.

Day 3 (Day of the Seven Hills) is the day of Groesbeek.

Day 4 (Day of Via Gladiola) is the day of Cuijk.

The routes always remain the same unless there is a specific need to change. On the Friday, as participants near the finish, the public present walkers with gladioli, a symbol of victory since Roman times, when gladiators were likewise showered with these flowers. The entry into the city and towards the finish, along the St. Annastraat, is for that reason called Via Gladiola during the event.