In The Spotlight

Hub Mooren (93) from Bergen op Zoom is the oldest male participant in this year’s 4Days Marches. He’s aiming for his 18th award and is determined to complete this edition successfully as well.

Although Hub suffers from asthmatic bronchitis, he refuses to let it hold him back. “Training can be difficult, especially when it rains a lot. But as soon as the weather allows, I always walk around 15 to 18 kilometers,” he says.

Since retiring in 1994, Hub has walked over 30,000 kilometers. He prefers walking alone, at his own pace of 4.5 kilometers per hour. “In recent years, I’ve only had to skip once due to a knee operation, but as long as I’m fit and healthy, I’ll keep participating. It’s always a great atmosphere,” he adds.

For Hayven Iylia (29) from Nijmegen, the 4Days Marches promise to be a week full of movement and music. This year, he’s making his debut as a participant, but as DJ Habi, he’s already a familiar face on the party scene. “After walking 50 kilometers, I’ll still spin a track,” he says with a smile. “Walking and partying – the perfect combination!”

At the age of four, Hayven fled Iraq with his parents and came to the Netherlands. Now, he feels grateful for the opportunities he’s had here. During the day, he works at Rabobank, but when night falls, it’s time for his passion: performing for packed crowds, including even a sold-out Jaarbeurs. His style? A unique blend of popular hits with Arabic influences. “I’m proud of my roots and want that to shine through in my music.”

With his participation in the 4Days Marches – and his DJ sets – he hopes to inspire others to chase their dreams.

For 55-year-old Bert de Jong from Sliedrecht, the 4Days Marches aren’t about earning a medal – they’re about something much bigger. He’s walking for his granddaughter Danielle (7), who suffers from the rare and incurable skin condition epidermolysis bullosa – better known as Butterfly Disease. “Her skin is as fragile as butterfly wings. Even a hug can cause pain.”

Despite the pain, Danielle remains a sweet and courageous girl, and that gives Bert the strength to walk 50 kilometers a day for four days. “If she has to fight every day, then I can do this too. For her. And for all the other children with this disease.”

Last year, Bert raised an impressive €47,000 as the top fundraiser for Stichting Vlinderkind. This year, he hopes to raise even more awareness and funds for scientific research. “Every step is a step toward a future with less pain for these children.”

Bert hopes his story touches others and inspires them to take action. “Let’s take steps together. For hope. For Danielle. For all Butterfly Children.”

Bernard Verwoert (39) from Noord-Scharwoude has been a familiar face at the 4Days Marches for 19 years, but this year he finds himself on the other side of the first aid table. After 19 years as a medical volunteer – 9 of which he helped organize the Red Cross medical team during the event – he’s now taking part as a participant for the very first time.

His 20th 4Days Marches is therefore extra special: no longer as a caregiver, but as a participant, ready to experience both the atmosphere and the aches of walking. “I want to feel what the participants have felt all these years,” he says with a big smile.

Bernard is sharing his journey and preparation through his YouTube channel Bernard op Weg. “In 2025, I’ll be creating new memories – this time as a participant.”

📺 Follow his adventure via: youtube.com/@Bernardopweg

For Janneke van Breukelen (48) from Malden, the 4Days Marches are much more than just a walking event – they’re a tribute to her hometown, her family, her friendships, and to the people who kindly open their doors (and bathrooms) along the way.

Born and raised in Nijmegen, she stood along the route as a child, worked at Camp Heumensoord, and walked the 4Days Marches in 2018 with her then 12-year-old twins. “These days, I walk with a close friend, and our friendship has only grown stronger. We share everything – even our bathroom rhythm,” she laughs.

Janneke knows better than anyone how valuable a private toilet can be during the march. That’s why she started a small, heartwarming tradition: for every resident who offered their restroom, she brought a handmade thank-you gift. “A little craft, a pin, something to show appreciation for their hospitality.”

The reactions? Overwhelming. “Sometimes there’d be water waiting, or some candy or mints. So sweet! You just want to acknowledge that.” This year, Janneke will once again head out with a bag full of small gifts – for the quiet heroes along the route.

Linda Schüller (34) from Gouda knows better than most how fragile life can be. The last time she walked the 4Days Marches, she had no idea what life had in store. Now, years later, she’s the mother of two beautiful children – and deeply grateful that all three of them are still here.

Her son was born too early and too small due to preeclampsia, requiring immediate intensive care in the neonatal unit. Soon after, her daughter was born with oxygen deprivation after a ruptured uterus. A specialized cooling treatment in the NICU saved her life.

“Without proper healthcare, my children – and I – wouldn’t be here today,” Linda says. That’s why this year she’s walking the 4Days Marches with a clear mission: to raise awareness and funds for Care4Neo, a foundation dedicated to helping prematurely born, underweight, and critically ill babies and their families.

Linda is determined: “Every step I take is for them. For hope, recognition, and better care.”

Zoë Posthumus (24) from Nijmegen doesn’t let herself be easily defeated. She has been dealing with migraine attacks for years – the kind that can completely knock her off her feet. Yet this year, she’s standing at the start of the 4Days Marches with determination and hope.

For people with migraines, nothing can be taken for granted. “Your head can turn against you in an instant,” Zoë explains. “And even though so many people suffer from it, there’s still very little awareness.” She wants to change that – by sharing her story and showing that it can be done.

Her participation is not just a physical challenge, but also a powerful mental statement: “I refuse to let migraine steal these kinds of experiences from me.” No matter what happens along the way, Zoë is determined: “Even if I have to crawl, I will cross that Via Gladiola!”

For Iris de Kamper (24) from Julianadorp, the 4Days Marches are where her love story began. In 2015, she met her boyfriend at the 4Days campsite. Sparks flew during the walks, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

For years, Iris walked the 40 kilometers while her boyfriend did the 50, along with her father. They each started separately but would meet along the route. In 2023, her father passed away – a profound loss. Since then, Iris and her partner have been walking the 50 kilometers together in his honor.

This year is extra special: they’re celebrating 10 years together and… one week after the 4Days Marches, they’ll be getting married.

Karsten Russ (34) from Nijmegen isn’t just walking the 4Days Marches this year – he’s capturing them too. As a photographer, he’s on the lookout for unique stories, encounters, and moments, all with one goal: to create a book about the people and atmosphere that make the 4Days Marches so special.

For him, the event is about more than just walking. It’s emotion, perseverance, and connection – and that’s exactly what he wants to capture with his camera. His role is twofold: both as a participant and a storyteller, with an eye for the things others might pass by.

Throughout the four days, he photographs along the route – in between the sweating and waving. Whether it’s a smile from the sidelines, a gladiolus on a walker, or a blister that symbolizes endurance, Karsten puts it all into images. His book is meant to be an ode to the 4Days Marches as they truly are.

Anthony Chan (28) from London knows what it feels like to be different. As a child, he was diagnosed with Asperger’s and struggled to connect at school. “I often felt left out and had very little self-confidence.”

That changed when he joined the Air Cadets, where he not only learned social skills but also discovered the 4Days Marches in 2013. “That first experience changed my life. The support from the spectators, the new friends I made – it gave me real confidence for the first time.”

Since then, Anthony has returned to Nijmegen for every edition. This year, he’s walking for the tenth time, alongside both old and new friends. “I want to show that no matter what your story is – at the 4Days Marches, you’re always welcome.”

Flore van Berlicum (11), from a small village in Brabant, is one of the youngest female participants in this year’s 4Days Marches. She lives with her two moms, her little brother Art, and her sister Lou, and she’s in her final year of primary school. Flore is a sporty girl who loves acrogym – a mix of gymnastics, acrobatics, and dance. But this year, she’s taking on a new challenge: walking the 4Days Marches!

The idea came from her mom, with whom she loves to go on walks, especially with their dog Nala. Every year, Flore watches the 4Days Marches in Nijmegen or Beers with her family, enjoying the chance to hand out candy, collect stickers, pens, and flags, and sing along and high-five the marching soldiers.

This year, Flore will walk the 4Days Marches with her close friend Loet, whom she’s known since they were babies. They met at daycare and after ten years, they know each other inside out. Flore knows the 4Days Marches will be tough – especially the Seven Hills Road, since uphill walking isn’t really her thing. But she’s well prepared and really looking forward to the fun and energy along the way!

Dorien Alink-van Rijsewijk (68) from Driel is a familiar face at the 4Days Marches. She’s been participating in the event since 2003, and this year marks her 16th time. What makes Dorien so special is her dedication to the power of positivity and connection. Alongside her walking buddy, Dees, she’s on the route offering encouragement to everyone she meets.

She hands out cards with the message “YOU ARE AMAZING” to fellow participants, especially when she sees someone struggling. “It gives them strength to keep going,” says Dorien. But it’s not just the walkers who receive a card – the people along the route can also count on a smile, a kind word, or even a hug.

In 2017, Dorien had to drop out after the first day due to a misaligned bone in her foot, a result of a previous fall. But instead of giving up, she stood on crutches along the route to cheer on her fellow walkers. Many of those passing by turned back to grab a card from her. “During the 4Days Marches, the sense of connection and solidarity is incredible. I wish it could be like that every day.”

At just 13 years old, Mees Hendriks from Ochten is one of the youngest participants in the 4Days Marches, walking 50 kilometers per day. Why is he doing this? “Because my discipline, mindset, and perseverance are greater than my age,” he says determinedly.

For months, Mees trained all over the Netherlands. Early mornings, mental challenges, and endless kilometers – he took them all on. For Mees, the 4Days Marches is much more than a physical challenge. It’s a testament to his willpower. “I want to show that age is not a limit. If you really want something, you can do it.”

With pure dedication and a clear goal in sight, Mees is walking his first 200 kilometers – determined to finish on the Via Gladiola.

Babette Macleod (55) was born in Nijmegen in 1970, but has been living in New Zealand for 18 years. Her journey with the 4Days Marches began when she was 16, but her knee didn’t allow her to take on the challenge at that time. Since then, she’s often thought about the 4Days Marches, and despite the distance and the years, she’s never let go of the dream.

This year, her participation in the 4Days Marches is extra special. In November of last year, her father passed away in Nijmegen, the city where he was born. The 4Days Marches will therefore be not just a physical challenge for Babette, but also an emotional journey. She expects to pass places that will bring both happy and less pleasant memories. Still, she’s really looking forward to it. “It’s going to be a long walk full of emotions, but I’m really excited!” she says determinedly.

Cynthia Wendrich (48) from Pernis Rotterdam is walking the 4Days Marches this year with a clear goal: to raise awareness for lipedema and lymphoedema, a chronic condition where fat or lymphatic fluid accumulates in the body. She lives with this condition herself and knows how limiting and misunderstood it can be. “The only treatment that really works is liposuction,” Cynthia explains. “But unfortunately, it’s not reimbursed in the Netherlands.”

With her participation, she aims not only to raise more awareness about this condition but also to send a message: a chronic illness is not a dead end. “I want to show that, despite physical limitations, you can still be active and resilient.” Every step Cynthia takes is one for awareness and change.

Barbara van den Bosch (58) grew up in Nijmegen and believes that every Nijmegen resident should walk the 4Days Marches at least once in their lifetime. She herself started "later than expected" – at the age of 43 – but was immediately hooked. “It’s amazing to be part of that endless stream of walkers,” she says.

Since then, she’s participated every year, walking distances of 50, 55, and 40 kilometers. In 2022, she emigrated to Sint Maarten, but that hasn’t stopped her from joining in. “I just fly back to the Netherlands for nine hours to participate in the 4Days Marches,” she says. The 4Days Marches is deeply rooted in her family: her father, three daughters, uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces – all are or were regular participants.

For Milou Diepen (41) from Noordwijkerhout, the 4Days Marches is not only a challenge but also a foot revolution. While she walked her first three editions in regular hiking boots – with blisters – she later discovered something that completely changed her experience: minimalist shoes.

“I’m now aiming to make it 3-3,” Milou says enthusiastically. “Three times with blisters, three times without. Since switching to minimalist shoes, I walk lighter, and blister-free.”

Last year, her outfit was completed with a pair of FiveFingers in the colors of the 4Days Marches – fully in style. For Milou, these aren’t just shoes: “Because my minimalist shoes give me so much, I love putting them in the spotlight!”

For Pascal Jansen (44) from Nijverdal, the 4Days Marches is a family matter – and a way to turn loss into strength. Together with her sons Nick (16) and Jim (13), she is participating again this year for one goal: raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s.

“In 2023, I walked for the first time for Alzheimer’s with one of my sons. This year, we’ll be walking together as a family. It’s our way of honoring Grandpa – my father, their grandfather – who we tragically lost during the covid-pandemic,” Pascal explains. “Having to say goodbye through glass... that stays with you.”

The disease has left deep scars in their lives. The 4Days Marches helps in the healing process, but most importantly, they want to make a difference for others. “We hope the money we raise contributes to research, so that a medicine can be found that stops or slows down Alzheimer’s.” Four days, three champions, one heart full of memories. For Dad and Grandpa.

Karen (49) from Reek is walking the 4Days Marches this year with at least 16 sponsor walkers to raise awareness for LMNA, a rare genetic and progressive heart disease. This is a personal mission for her: her husband suffers from heart failure as a result of this condition. “We are walking for all LMNA patients, for recognition, and for hope for a better future.”

Through their search for information, Karen and her husband connected with Rogier Veltrop: an LMNA patient and scientist. By taking thousands of steps during the marches, Karen aims to raise awareness and funds to develop an effective treatment for heart failure/LMNA.

The message is clear: knowledge makes the difference. And Karen is carrying that message step by step, on her way to a world with better care and hope for LMNA patients.

Monique (55) from The Hague started her first 4Days Marches in 1997 out of curiosity. But by the first day, she knew it: “YES! I’ll be back next year!” Now, 28 years later, she’s still going strong and hasn’t missed the marches since.

She’s walked every distance: she started with the 40 kilometers, switched to the 50, and found her regular walking partner there. Together with him and her husband, she walked the 50 kilometers for many years. When the children started walking, she and her husband joined them as support walkers on the 30 kilometers. After that, Monique returned to the 40 kilometers, walking with her friend, with whom she has now been inseparable for 25 years during the 4Days Marches. “We have the best time. Without the 4Days Marches, we would have never met.”

Frits (81) from Hengelo will once again be at the start line in 2025, this time for his 15th 4Days Marches — and for the full 50 kilometers a day. In past years, he successfully completed the 30 kilometers 14 times, often together with his university friend Gerard. “Along the way, we’d talk politics, the financial world, and solve global problems as we walked.”

When Gerard had to drop out due to illness, Frits decided to go out with a bang: a “real 4Days Marches” at 50 kilometers, as the crowning achievement of his walking career. In 2024, he was perfectly trained and ready to go, but a torn calf muscle 25 kilometers in brought that plan to a sudden halt. “A very bitter ending.” But Frits isn’t giving up. “Just a few days later, I knew: I’m going to try again.”

In 2025, he’ll make another attempt. His motivation? That’s clear. “This challenge is for Gerard, my loyal 4Days Marches companion.”

Yvette (20) from Meppel is walking the 4Days Marches again this year — a journey full of meaning and memories. In 2018, she was meant to take part with her grandfather, but in December 2017 he was suddenly paralyzed. “I was 13 at the time, and I walked the 4Days Marches for him.”

Now, six years later, she’s once again honoring her grandfather by walking — and raising money for two causes close to her heart: people affected by paralysis and the Dutch Epilepsy Foundation (SEIN). “My grandpa lost his dream because of paralysis. With my participation, I hope to support others in similar situations.”

Yvette herself lives with epilepsy. “I’m just so grateful that I can now do things that used to be far from guaranteed.” Through her kilometers, determination, and perseverance, she hopes to be a source of strength for others.

Diane (47) from Haarlem is walking the 4Days Marches this year with her sister for the Beatrix Spierfonds. Not for one specific person, but for all those affected by muscle diseases, now and in the future. “We want to raise as much awareness and funds as possible. Unfortunately, so far, we are the only ones walking for the Beatrix Spierfonds, but that only motivates us more.”

With every step, the sisters are raising awareness for muscle diseases. Every step counts towards more research, more hope, and more perspective.

Ellen (61) from Zeist is walking the 4Days Marches this year with her sister. It's a special story, because until three years ago, she didn't even know she had a sister. “I found out I had a sister through MyHeritage. We didn’t know each other, but from the very first moment, we clicked. We look so much alike.”

That they are now walking the 4Days Marches together feels like a miracle. “It’s a real 'Long Lost Family' story. I never thought I would make memories with a sister during the 4Days Marches. We cherish every moment.”

Rob (65) from Utrecht was in a coma on a ventilator in an intensive care unit in The Hague at the end of 2020 due to a COVID-19 infection. Thanks to the fantastic care, he fortunately survived, and he is incredibly grateful for that. "The fact that I can walk my beloved 4Days Marches again is a miracle for me."

He would have found it terrible if he could never walk again, and he sympathizes with the loyal walkers who, due to long COVID or another condition, have to quit for good.

Wendy (26) from Arnhem received news on February 26, 2021, that changed her life forever: she has MS. "My neurologist said, 'It's remarkable that you're still functioning with so many active inflammations.' I was 22 at the time, full of life, optimistic and feeling great. How bad could it be?"

Reality quickly caught up with her. "Dizziness, muscle weakness, tingling, cognitive problems, endless fatigue... I had to start medication immediately." When her first treatment proved ineffective, she had to switch to stronger medications. "It sometimes feels like a ticking time bomb – you never know when the MS will strike again."

In 2024, her sister was also diagnosed with MS. "That's when I knew I wanted to take action." This year, Wendy is walking the 4Days Marches for MS Research. "For myself, my sister, and everyone living with MS, so that we can work together towards a future where a cure is possible."

Tim (36) from Nijmegen is walking the 4Days Marches for the 23rd time this year. A quick calculation shows he started his first edition at just 13 years old. Since then, the 4Days Marches have become a permanent part of his life. Tim has participated every single year without missing an edition.

Now working as a manager of the sports facilities at Radboud University, he even passes his workplace three times during the marches.

Ben (73) from 's-Heerenberg suffered a serious injury in 2007: he broke his back in two places and was just one millimeter away from a spinal cord injury. Thanks to the support of his employer, intensive physiotherapy, and the specialist care at the Sint Maartenskliniek, he fought his way back. “The fact that I could walk normally again was already remarkable. Let alone that I’m now participating in the 4Days Marches for the fifth time,” he says proudly.

Recently, Ben also became a veteran – just like his youngest son. “This year, we’re walking together for the first time. That makes it even more special.” In addition to reaching a personal milestone, Ben is also walking for the TRIS (Troepenmacht in Suriname), with which he feels a strong connection. For him, the 4Days Marches are proof that limits can be pushed – even when your body once nearly gave out.

The friend group from Wijchen began walking the 4Days Marches in 2015. Sometimes with more of them, sometimes with fewer – but one thing was always the same: Jintha was there. If they lost track of her along the route, she was usually a few hundred meters ahead, chatting with someone. She was social, sporty, funny, and incredibly kind.

On December 6, 2024, Jintha passed away due to the illness of depression. She fought long and bravely, but no treatment helped. In the end, she chose peace. Her final wish was for more attention to be given to mental health and for money to be raised for MIND, the organization fighting for a society that prevents psychological suffering as much as possible.

This year, Julia (29) from Amsterdam is walking – together with Bram and Simone – for Jintha. To talk about depression and to break the taboo. Because it can affect anyone, and no one should be forgotten.

Cindy is 47 years old and lives in Bergen op Zoom. This year, she is walking the 4Days Marches for the 30th time. Together with her father (49 editions), sister (29 times), and brother (23 times), she’s part of a true 4Days Marches family. For them, the event has become a cherished tradition, bringing connection and special memories year after year.

Harm (41) lives in Rijen. He was always known as someone with iron health — for forty years, he hadn’t been ill a single day. That made it all the more shocking when he suddenly discovered that one of his kidneys had never developed. “You’ve been living your whole life with just one kidney,” he was told. Although the news was hard to process at first, Harm didn’t dwell in fear or uncertainty.

Instead, he chose to adjust his lifestyle and live with a renewed sense of awareness. No limitations, only opportunities — that became his new mindset.

His participation in the 4Days Marches is a powerful example of that. Four days, dozens of kilometers each day — he proves that impressive achievements are still possible, even with a physical limitation. Harm wants to share his story to inspire others. Because whether you live with one kidney, have a chronic condition, or simply doubt your own abilities — he shows that you can go further than you think.

Claudia (51) from De Meern walked the 4Days Marches in 2015 with a friend. What started as a sporty challenge unexpectedly became the beginning of a lifelong story. On Pink Wednesday, a bitten apple suddenly flew through the air, right past her nose, and into the bushes. Claudia looked up indignantly and shouted something toward the culprits. Two young men, laughing, stepped over the guardrail and walked in her direction. One of them struck up a conversation with her — and that connection never faded.

What began as a chance encounter grew into a deep bond. On May 30, 2024, they got married. “He’s the sweetest person there is,” Claudia says with conviction. For her, the 4Days Marches is about more than just walking — it symbolizes unexpected turns, special encounters, and the start of something beautiful.

Karla (53) from Bleskensgraaf met the love of her life, Marco, during the 4Days Marches. What started as a special connection between two walkers blossomed into a lifelong bond. On June 22, 2025, Karla and Marco will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary — a milestone that might never have happened without the 4Days Marches.

They now have 20-year-old twins. Their daughter Nienke is walking her 7th 4Days Marches this year, while their son Bjorn is participating for the 3rd time. Marco completed the event four times as a walker and is now volunteering for the 3rd time with the Mobility Service, helping bring injured or exhausted participants safely back to Nijmegen.

For Karla and her family, the 4Days Marches is far more than just a walk: it’s a tradition, a place of connection, and an annual moment of togetherness. A true family affair they hope to continue for many years to come.

Remco (34) from Nijmegen was born with bilateral clubfeet and was told by doctors he would never be able to walk and would likely spend his life in a wheelchair. But Remco didn’t let that prognosis define him. He set himself a major goal: to walk the 4Days Marches. What began as the ultimate challenge has now become something of an addiction.

This year, Remco hopes to complete his 16th 4Days Marches. Every step he takes is a victory — not only over his physical limitations but also over the doubts others had about what he could achieve. For Remco, the 4Days Marches is more than just a walk: it’s a symbol of perseverance, courage, and overcoming obstacles that to many seem insurmountable.

Albert (61) from Wijchen lost his 29-year-old son in 2023 after a tragic traffic accident. His daughter, who last saw her brother alive during that year’s 4Days Marches, decided to walk her very first 4Days Marches in 2024 in his memory.

In 2022, Albert was diagnosed with MS, which drastically changed his life. That’s why it is his daughter’s wish to walk the 2025 edition alongside her father — as long as his health still allows it. Albert walked the 4Days Marches twice in his youth, but those editions fell outside the current 20-year rule, so it seemed he wouldn’t be eligible. However, with the support of MS Research, he managed to secure a ticket to participate in the 2025 edition with his daughter.

For Albert, the 2025 4Days Marches is more than just a physical challenge. It is a chance to walk side by side with his daughter, to grieve and remember together. It is a moment of deep connection and a way to process both the impact of MS and the pain of losing his son. It promises to be an emotional and meaningful journey — one he will share step by step with his daughter.

Eva de Waal (30) from Utrecht has a special connection to the 4Days Marches and the Via Gladiola. As a child, she grew up with the rare bone disease HME-MO, which required numerous surgeries. In those difficult times, her vivid imagination gave her comfort and strength. While studying French in Paris, she discovered how healing walking could be: she wandered endlessly through the city, capturing the places she visited in small drawings.

She brought that love of walking and illustrating back with her to Nijmegen. There, she created her children’s book Kamilla in Nimma, about a camel who becomes the first animal ever to walk the 4Days Marches. The book reflects Eva’s playful imagination and deep bond with the 4Days Marches.

Eva lives with her partner Hayven Iylia, who is making his 4Days Marches debut this year. She works for Radboud University and the newspaper De Gelderlander. Her biggest dream is to create many more children’s books that offer kids — just as they once did for her — strength and imagination.

Bernard (58) from Breda dedicates his steps during the 4Days Marches to Stichting 27, a foundation aimed at achieving optimal mental health for young people so they can build a promising future. He previously walked the Nijmegen 4Days Marches together with his son — an experience that now weighs heavily, as shortly after their participation, his son took his own life.

Bernard dedicates his participation to his son and wants to raise awareness about mental health through his story. On the Stichting 27 website, he shares his full story in the hope of offering support and recognition to others: stichting27.nl.

Loes (68) from Nijmegen is walking the 4Days Marches this year for a cause close to her heart: Villa Joep. This foundation funds research into neuroblastoma childhood cancer — a rare but very aggressive form of cancer where survival rates for children are still too low.

Loes notes that while large, well-known causes often receive a lot of attention, smaller causes deserve extra visibility too. By raising sponsorship during the 4Days Marches, she hopes not only to collect funds but also to raise awareness about Villa Joep’s work. She gladly shares her story to show why this cause means so much to her.

Eva (26, just before the 4Days Marches 27) from Wijchen is walking the 4Days Marches this year for the foundation STOPHersentumoren. In 2020, her then-boyfriend — now her husband — was diagnosed at a young age with a brain tumor. A form of cancer for which there is still no cure.

After a major operation, he set himself a special goal: to complete the 4Days Marches. In 2022, he succeeded, as a crowning achievement of his rehabilitation. Now it’s Eva’s turn. With her participation, she wants to raise awareness for brain tumors and highlight the importance of research. “I’m still young,” she says, “and that’s why I realize how important it is to live every day to the fullest. So I’m going to fully enjoy this 4Days Marches.”

Karel Willaert (79) from Bergen walked his first 4Days Marches in 1977, at the age of 31. Now, in 2025, he’s about to start his 40th edition. He has never missed a single year — an impressive streak filled with blisters, sore feet, and personal triumphs.

His passion for sports began during his military service, but it was the 4Days Marches that truly got him into walking. Born and raised in Nijmegen, he always saw it as the ultimate goal. Nowadays, Karel is an avid runner and member of the athletics club Cifla. His training consists of 2.5 hours of running per week — during which he also picks up litter with a grabber and bag — and in the third week of July, he swaps his running shoes for walking shoes.

The atmosphere along the route is sacred to him, although he has noticed changes: “In the past, you would spontaneously chat with other walkers. Now everyone is busy with their phone or music.” Still, for Karel, the communal spirit remains strong, and he hopes more young people will discover the 4Days Marches. “It’s so much more than just walking; it’s an experience that sticks with you.”

Foto: Karel at the Via Gladiola in 1992. (Photographer: Jan van Leeuwen)

The 77-year-old Bram from Alblasserdam is preparing for an exceptional achievement: his 60th participation in the 4Days Marches. He is walking the 30-kilometer route and is one of the most experienced participants this year. What once started as a sporting challenge has become a fixed part of his life. His perseverance, discipline, and love for walking have made him a true walking icon. The 4Days Marches are truly ingrained in Bram’s very being.

12-year-old Anouk from Nijkerk is making her 4Days Marches debut this year. It’s a special moment she shares with her grandpa. Anouk hopes not only for a great achievement but also for many donations. “Every euro helps to make a difference. On behalf of myself and KWF: thank you!”

Jacquelien (51) from Zuidwolde was supposed to walk the 4Days Marches this year for the first time together with her friend Rina. Rina had already completed the march twice and had enthusiastically convinced Jacquelien in the summer of 2024 to join as well. Although Jacquelien had previously hesitated because of the crowds at the event, her curiosity about the famous 4Days Marches feeling ultimately won her over.

In December, they reserved a camping spot together and eagerly looked forward to registering. But fate had other plans. On January 4th, Rina suddenly called from the hospital: she had been admitted with a rare form of lymphoma. Despite her critical condition, she remained determined to fight and survive.

“Rina has twice hovered on the brink of death. Her struggle has become my motivation,” Jacquelien says. “Although we were so looking forward to doing this together, I decided that this year I would have to go alone.”

Stephen from Bergschenhoek will start his impressive journey of 1,030 kilometers on July 3, 2025, from Leeuwarden. On foot, he will follow a route passing all the provincial capitals of the Netherlands – including a stretch through Belgium – to arrive in time for the start of the 4Days Marches in Nijmegen. His mission: to raise €250,000 for cancer care in Suriname, where good medical care is often out of reach.

His motivation is personal. In 2017, he lost his best friend Rob to cancer. Rob literally died in his arms. They had previously walked the 4Days Marches together, but after Rob’s diagnosis, that came to an abrupt end. Three months before Rob’s death, Stephen symbolically walked the Marches once more with him – carrying a large portrait of Rob on his back.

Along the way to Nijmegen, Stephen will visit special locations such as the Pieterpad, Kamp Westerbork, and the Koningin Wilhelminabos. In each provincial capital, he will receive a stamp and signature from the mayor in his walking passport. The mayor of Nijmegen has also promised to personally welcome him on the Via Gladiola.

His campaign has received widespread support, including from well-known Dutch celebrities such as Gerard Spong, Kenny B, Arnold Vanderlyde, Jörgen Raymann, Nelli Cooman, Gerda Havertong, and Typhoon. Stephen walks with one goal: to show that everyone has the right to good healthcare – and therefore to life.

For Suzanne (33) from Nijmegen, it all started in 2017 on the Via Gladiola, when she met Bram from Utrecht. A year later, he spontaneously sent her a message on Facebook asking if she would be in Nijmegen again. That message turned out to be the beginning of a special love story. Suzanne moved to Nijmegen, and in 2023 Bram proposed to her during the 4Days Marches. They got married in 2024. That same year, Bram walked the 4Days for the first time, while Suzanne cheered him on along the route every day.

In 2025, it’s her turn: she will walk the 4Days Marches herself for the first time. What makes it extra special is that she will do this while 22 weeks pregnant with their first child. “My 4Days Marches, with a 4Days Marches Baby in my belly,” she calls it.

In 2025, Ronald van Rijn will walk the 4Days Marches for the 50th time. Since his first participation in 1973, he has not missed a single edition, except for the years when the event was canceled. This marks not only a personal milestone but also a special moment for his entire family: Ronald’s participation is the 100th for the Van Rijn family as a whole.

His wife has completed the 4Days Marches 30 times, and their children and grandchildren have also participated multiple times. Walking has always been a unifying factor for the family. But Ronald’s involvement with the 4Days Marches went beyond just walking: until 2023, he was an active parachutist and jumped three times in the Goffert Stadium during the flag parade, including in 1994 carrying the flag of the Golden Cross recipients.

Ronald also made great strides internationally. Together with his wife, he took part in walking marches all over the world through the IML Walking Association. In 2002, they were honored in Finland as “European Walkers,” and in 2014 in Japan as “International Master Walkers.”

For Ronald, the 4Days Marches is a lifelong passion he has shared with his family — and one that will reach a memorable peak in 2025.