The International Four Day Marches in the Netherlands

Over almost hundred years in mid-July international walk festival is organized there. It is attended by over 40 thousand of local residents and visitors, making the festival officially recognized as the world's largest walking event. Spirit of competition is completely absent here.

Everyone can participate regardless athletic training. There are distances of 30, 40 or 50 km, depending on your age, gender or physical ability. The route running through picturesque countryside should be covered within four days.

Nijmegen walks are called marches not by chance - once the event was directly connected with military training. Of course, you have to go through a non-fun test of endurance and physical strength. However, there is nothing impossible for a healthy and experienced enough walker, who used to train regularly. Those who manage to complete the distance for four days, will receive the coveted Cross for the Four Day Marches fully named Cross for demonstrated marching skill.

Festive atmosphere reigns there in the latest evening. Crowds fill the specially erected grandstand along the St. Anne streets to greet and cheer walkers. On this occasion, even the street was renamed into the Via Gladiola - there is a beautiful tradition of handing bouquet of orange gladioli to each participant who crosses finish line.