Nijmegen Marches

The Nijmegen Marches in Holland is the world's largest walking event where walkers complete 40kms each day for 4 days that is almost a marathon a day along with 50,000 other walkers!  Not only is this a fantastic personal achievement but you will also be awarded with the Nijmegen Cross, a royally acclaimed medal.

Read on to find out how the team did this year!

 It was a warm and sunny July evening when we met the other 29 Walk the Walkers in the reception of the hotel to discuss ‘tactic’s’ in preparation for our mammoth challenge of Walking the Walk at the Nijmegen Marches. Along with 42’000 people we were set to tackle the 100 mile challenge, walking 25 miles each day for 4 days. After the ‘tactics talk’ we were all very excited and sat down to a 3 course pasta meal accompanied by plenty of ice cold water. Then in true Nijmegen fashion it was early to bed with our alarms set for an early rise of 3am!

For those who had been here before the first day bought about much excitement and anticipation, but for those of us who were experiencing the marches for the first time the excitement was there but we were also a little nervous about what to expect! We needn’t have worried – it was amazing.

Day 1

It was perfect walking weather as we set off along the streets of Nijmegen. As we passed through the fantastic scenery and met the cheering crowds the miles just melted away, and almost as soon as we had begun the day came to a close. The trip back on the coach was full of chatter, relieving the days events and experiences.  Back at the hotel we swam, took saunas, massages, ate and were all in bed by 8pm

Day 2

Day two is regarded as the longest day and they are not wrong. Maybe because the excitement of day one had worn off or because this was our second 3am start but day two was certainly the hardest. The scenery was still as beautiful but we did not seem to pass through as many villages, those that we did pass through met us with as much cheer and support as before, all bringing their sofas out to sit on and watch as we marched on by. The children offered us sweets, cucumber and water melon to help us on our way. The massages we had back at the hotel were heavenly and much needed…..I do think these had a lot to do with helping us through!

Day 3

Day three is known as the day of the seven hills. All us newbie’s were feeling a little tired and slightly worried about the hills despite the others telling us not to worry -they were right. The hills are gently rolling and pass through some fabulous scenery. The villages we marched through were all decorated in colourful bunting giving a real carnival atmosphere. It felt like everyone, of all ages, had come out to support us and cheer us along, they really carried us through! Tired but relieved to be finishing day three we all went excitedly to bed.

Day 4

Finally day four – the big one! This was the day we had all waited for…there were just 25 miles left between us and our royally acclaimed medal. We all set off with spirits high. The first part of the walk was through lovely countryside along a beautiful river. At one point, for as far as the eye could see, there was a steady stream of walkers all moving slowly together with one thought in their minds – the finish and their medal. As we got closer to Nijmegen we met the crowds, there were loads of them. They say that on this day 250’000 people descend into Nijmegen to welcome the walkers back. The crowds really do carry you over the last 10kms and you feel like you are walking on air.

At each side of the road there are grandstands full of people all cheering and waving – you really feel like an Olympic athlete coming back into the stadium. Then in the distance you see the finish and this is the best feeling ever, to finally cross the finish line and collect your medal makes all the blisters, early mornings and muscle pain totally worth while……we can’t wait for 2008!