Nijmegen here we come, again !

Next tuesday we will be participating in the Nijmegen
Four Days Marches again. This will be the fifth time
and we are really looking forward to it again.
The Four Days Marches are an achievement walk for
four consecutive days, in which annually over 45,000
walkers are participating. From all over the world people
are coming to Nijmegen to walk for four days in and
around the city and its beautiful surroundings. The women
have to walk 40 km (27 miles) for four consecutive days
making it a total of 160 km. The men have to walk 50 km
(34 miles) for four consecutive days making it a total of
200 km. Thousands of spectators are cheering the walkers
along the route every day. After four days of walking a
glorious entry over the Via Gladiola awaits the walker and
afterwards they will receive their well-deserved
Four Days Medal.



The Four Days Medal (Vierdaagsekruis) is for
many a coveted and, once earned, a cherished
possession. It is shown to friends and relations,
often given a place of honour in the home. The
medal is the "cross for proven marching ability",
as formulated in the Order-in-Council of October 1909.
After the event, the Four Days Marches participant
usually accepts his or her medal whithout realising
that their efforts have earned them a royally approved
decoration which Dutch servicemen may wear on their
uniform. The Four Days Medal is one of The Netherlands'
official decorations.