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A Tradition That Brings People Together

The International 4Days Marches Nijmegen (4Daagse) is one of the world's most renowned walking events. For more than a century, it has brought together people through walking, perseverance, friendship, and shared experiences.

Each year, participants from different generations, backgrounds, cultures, and countries gather in and around Nijmegen to take part in a unique event that promotes health, inclusion, and community spirit. What unites them is a common goal: completing four consecutive days of walking while enjoying the support and encouragement of fellow participants, volunteers, and spectators.

The 4Days Marches demonstrates how sport and physical activity can create meaningful social connections that extend far beyond the event itself.

Promoting Health and Well-Being

Walking is one of the most accessible and inclusive forms of physical activity. It can be enjoyed by people of different ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds.

By participating in the 4Days Marches, thousands of individuals commit themselves to months of preparation and training. This encourages a healthy lifestyle, increases physical activity, supports mental well-being, and promotes resilience and personal achievement.

The event inspires participants to remain active throughout the year and contributes to broader awareness of the importance of exercise and healthy living.

Fostering Social Inclusion

One of the core values of the 4Days Marches is that everyone is welcome.

Participants include young adults, seniors, families, military personnel, recreational walkers, experienced athletes, and people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. The event creates an environment where people meet on equal footing, regardless of nationality, age, profession, religion, or personal circumstances.

Through walking together, participants develop mutual respect, understanding, and friendship. The 4Days Marches serves as a powerful example of how shared experiences can strengthen social cohesion and bring communities together.

International Friendship and Cultural Exchange

The 4Days Marches attracts participants from many countries around the world and is widely recognised as an international meeting place.

Every year, civilians and military teams from numerous nations participate side by side. This unique combination of sport, culture, and international cooperation contributes to friendship and understanding between people of different backgrounds.

The event creates opportunities for cultural exchange and dialogue and demonstrates how a shared challenge can help build connections that cross borders and generations.

Powered by Volunteers

The success of the 4Days Marches would not be possible without the dedication of hundreds of volunteers.

Approximately 380 volunteers contribute their time, knowledge, and commitment to support participants and help organise the event. Their efforts range from operational support and participant services to logistics, route management, communications, and safety.

This volunteer network reflects the strong culture of civic engagement surrounding the 4Days Marches and highlights the importance of community involvement in creating large-scale social initiatives.

The Foundation also works closely with local communities, public authorities, emergency services, healthcare organisations, and other partners to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all participants.

Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage

The 4Days Marches is more than a sporting event. It is also an important cultural tradition with deep roots in Dutch society.

The event has been recognised as part of the Dutch Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition acknowledges the traditions, stories, customs, and shared experiences that have been passed on through generations of participants, volunteers, and supporters.

As a living tradition, the 4Days Marches continues to evolve while preserving the values and heritage that have made it a unique part of Dutch cultural life.

The recognition as intangible cultural heritage underlines the significance of the event for society, community building, and cultural preservation.

A Positive Impact on Society

The 4Days Marches generates value far beyond the walking routes themselves.

The event contributes to:

• Public health and active lifestyles.
• Community engagement and volunteerism.
• Cultural preservation and heritage awareness.
• International cooperation and understanding.
• Social participation and inclusion.
• Local community development.
• Intergenerational connections.
• Education through shared experiences and cultural exchange.

By connecting people through a common challenge, the 4Days Marches continues to make a positive contribution to society.

Mission

The Foundation of the International 4Days Marches Nijmegen is committed to promoting walking as an accessible form of physical activity, encouraging healthy lifestyles, strengthening social connections, supporting volunteer engagement, fostering international friendship, and preserving a unique cultural tradition for future generations.

Through participation, cooperation, and community spirit, the 4Days Marches continues to bring people together and create lasting social impact.

Key Facts

• Organised by a non-profit foundation.
• Supported by approximately 380 volunteers.
• Promotes health, exercise, and well-being.
• Encourages social inclusion and community participation.
• Welcomes participants from many countries.
• Brings civilians and military participants together.
• Recognised as Dutch Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Preserves a tradition spanning more than a century.
• Strengthens international friendship and cultural exchange.
• Creates positive social and community impact.