Participants In the Spotlight

Last year, Dylan Boet caused quite a stir when he said on Radio 538 that he could complete the 4Days Marches “with ease.” His comment certainly did not go unnoticed. Quite the opposite: criticism came pouring in.

“If you talk big, you have to back it up,” Dylan says himself.

So this year, he will be standing at the start of the 108th 4Days Marches. Not unprepared, but after months of intense training and fully determined to finish. Through his social media channels, he takes his followers along on his preparation journey. And the reactions? They have completely turned around. “The tips, gifts, and kind messages I’m receiving are really amazing,” Dylan says.

Father Guido (55) from Hoofddorp has been participating since 2000 and gradually introduced his children to the world of the 4Days Marches. First came his son Viggo, then daughter Lieke, and eventually the youngest, Sverre. Even mother Hilma joined as a supporter.

But then came the year that changed everything. Hilma was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through an intensive treatment process. By the end of 2024, there was thankfully good news, although uncertainty remained.

Still, the 4Days Marches never let go of them. “It’s really our family thing,” says Guido. One wish remained at the center of it all: standing at the starting line together again, healthy and well.

After a nerve wracking search for a starting ticket, it finally happened. This time, Hilma stood at the start not as a supporter, but as a full participant. And successfully too, the whole family completed the 4Days Marches.

Together, they reached a total of 40 participations in 2025. And now? On to 45 in 2026.

For Merel Smits (23) from Rotterdam, the 4Days Marches is far more than just another walking event. Together with her best friend Bibi, whom she has known for eleven years, she will be participating for the ninth time this year. Together, they are walking to raise money for ParkinsonNederland.

As a child, Merel stood along the Via Gladiola with her parents, cheering on walkers. Until she became old enough to participate herself, together with her mother. “From that moment on, we both caught the 4Days Marches bug,” she says.

But their journey together took a different turn. Nine years ago, her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which later turned out to be MSA. In the end, they only got to walk together once, a memory Merel will cherish forever.

Still, her mother is always there. Every day along the route, her father follows Merel and Bibi with her mother on a wheelchair bicycle. “We walk for her, but really, she walks with us.”

Maud de Laat (11) from Rosmalen is one of the youngest participants in this year’s 4Days Marches. She will not even turn 12 until December.

Last year, she had to watch from the sidelines. “I was still too young to participate,” she explains. But she certainly did not sit still. She made and sold keychains for Stichting Vlinderkind and managed to raise an impressive amount of money.

This year, she is taking it one step further. Once again, she is making and selling keychains, but now she is also connecting her participation in the 4Days Marches to the cause.

Her motivation is simple and powerful: “For walkers, blisters are temporary. For butterfly children, they last a lifetime.”

Through her participation, Maud wants not only to raise money but also to create awareness about the condition. Her dream? “That all children can live without pain and do everything they want.”

For Estée de Lizer (33) from Gennep, the 4Days Marches is more than a sporting challenge. Together with her best friend Sharon Knoester, she will be standing at the starting line for the first time this year.

She is walking for Stichting Het Vergeten Kind, a cause that is deeply personal to her. Estée herself has experience with youth care. “I want to use my experience to give something back to children and young people who, despite everything they have been through, are trying to find their place in society.”

According to Estée, that support is needed now more than ever. “There are major cuts in healthcare funding while these young people need support the most,” she says.

With her participation, she hopes not only to raise money but also to create awareness. “If we do nothing, the problem will only get bigger.”

For Blanche Troost Tompot (92) from Roosendaal, walking has always been a natural part of life. From hikes in the mountains of Germany and the Alps with her family, to long walks across Europe with her husband, sitting still was never an option.

And it still is not.

Nowadays, she spends several months every winter in the Algarve in Portugal, where she enjoys long daily walks. “Walking is enjoyable and staying active is important,” says Blanche in her straightforward way.

The idea of participating in the 4Days Marches came from her youngest son, who returned home full of enthusiasm after his first participation. His excitement was contagious. Blanche decided to take on the challenge herself and successfully did so.

This year, she will stand at the start as the oldest female participant and complete her sixth 4Days Marches.

Julia Cramer (11) from Reeuwijk has been looking forward to this for years: walking the 4Days Marches together with her father. He had already participated several times, but Julia was always too young to join.

This year, the wait is over. At only 11 years old, she will stand at the starting line and not just for any distance: she is the youngest participant in the 50 kilometre route.

“I think that’s really cool,” she says enthusiastically.

Together with her father, she will take on the challenge for four days. While it may sound intimidating to some, Julia mainly feels excited and eager to begin.

“We’re really looking forward to it!”

For Eiji Takemoto (57) from Otsu, Japan, the 4Days Marches does not feel like an event. It feels like coming home.

“When I see the sunrise on the first day, the Elst day, I know: I’m back.”

The Japanese participant has been taking part since 1998 and has covered countless kilometres in Nijmegen ever since. One edition remains deeply etched in his memory: 2006. After that memorable year, he felt even more connected to the 4Days Marches. For him, it became more than participation; it became a mission to remain part of this tradition.

Today, Eiji serves as Ambassador for the Asia Pacific region within the Association of Golden Cross Bearers and represents the 4Days Marches from Japan while carrying Nijmegen deep in his heart.

With his 66th participation, Willy (83) from Wijchen holds the record among active 4Days Marches participants. It is an achievement that inspires many. His remarkable track record shows what dedication, discipline, and a love for walking can accomplish.

For decades, he has been part of the walking community that gathers in Nijmegen every year. During that time, he has seen the event change, but his motivation has always remained the same: keep walking, year after year.

In 2026, Willy will once again stand at the starting line together with his regular walking partner.

For Connie Raijmakers Volaart (78) from Houten, it all started when she was 16 years old. Now, more than sixty years later, she hopes to complete her 60th 4Days Marches. An impressive milestone that she still approaches with the same passion.

In her early years, she walked the 40 kilometre distance before later switching to the 50 kilometres.

“It took some getting used to, but that extra loop is worth it every year.”

This year, she turns 79 and notices that walking has become a bit more challenging. Whether she will once again choose the 50 kilometre route remains uncertain. Perhaps she will opt for 40 kilometres, and she fully supports that decision.

Because for Connie, one thing is clear: “The winner isn’t the fastest person. It’s everyone who crosses the Via Gladiola finish line on Friday.”

For Gerard Peters (70) from Nijmegen, this edition of the 4Days Marches will be a special one. If he reaches the finish line, he will complete his 50th 4Days Marches. Even more remarkable: he will do it together with his family.

His uncle is participating for the 55th time, his aunt for the 50th time, and his cousin for the 45th time. Together, they account for an impressive total of 200 participations this year.

The 4Days Marches runs deep within the family. For generations, sisters, cousins, uncles, and aunts have taken part. It all started with three walking brothers, two of whom sadly passed away, but the tradition lives on.

This edition carries even more meaning for Gerard. He is walking for the Lung Cancer Fund in memory of his sister, who passed away a year and a half ago.

“I hope to contribute to more research and better survival rates in this way.”

As a way of giving something back for all the support he has received, Gerard is taking an extra step this year. Although he is officially allowed to walk the 30-kilometre distance, he has chosen the 50 kilometres instead.

For Lieke van ’t Riet-Knook (55) from Alkmaar, it all started when she was just 11 years old. While her family never went on summer holidays, she was allowed to stay with her aunt and uncle in Nijmegen during 4Days Marches week. There, she walked her first kilometres together with her cousin and, in truth, she never stopped.

What began as a holiday adventure grew into a lifelong tradition. Over the years, friends joined in, camping groups were formed, and eventually her husband simply “became part of the 4Days Marches as well.”

“Stopping was never an option for me,” she says with a smile.

Even after starting a family, the 4Days Marches remained a fixed part of her life. She only missed a few editions around the births of her children. Today, her children have also completed the 4Days Marches one or more times.

“So the 4Days Marches bug has definitely been passed on.”

This year, at the age of 55, she will be starting her journey toward her 40th cross medal.

“Every year I feel blessed that I’m still able and allowed to walk it again.”

Frans van den Broek (55) from Haps already knew it as a young boy: he wanted that 4Days Marches Cross medal too. When he saw his older cousin wearing one, the seed was planted.

At the age of 10, he joined a walking club and has never stopped since. Over the years, the 4Days Marches became much more than just walking. He met his wife there, found a regular walking companion, and passed on the 4Days Marches bug to his children.

Now, years later, he walks the Via Gladiola together with his children and his regular walking partner.

From a childhood dream to 40 editions of the 4Days Marches — and still with the same smile.

Nicole Scharenborg (53) from Nijmegen is once again participating in the 4Days Marches this year with a clear mission. Last year, she walked for the Radboud Oncology Fund, inspired by the memory of her father, who had participated for many years before eventually passing away from cancer.

“It was a way to honour him and give something back,” she says.

In her daily work, Nicole is connected to Radboud University Medical Center, where she contributes to clinical cancer research. Together with her colleagues, she is working on an ambitious project focused on developing a preventive vaccine for people with Lynch syndrome and IBD.

That research is now one step closer to becoming reality. The project Nicole works on has been approved, but additional support is still needed to truly get started.

That is why she is putting on her walking shoes again this year. Together with her mother (79) and her sister, she will walk 40 kilometres for four consecutive days.

Not only in memory of her father, but especially for the future and for a vaccine that could save lives.

René Dortland (56) from Nieuw-Beijerland had already made the decision several times: he was going to stop participating in the 4Days Marches.

But each time, another reason appeared to start again.

In his 21 participations, he had already said goodbye four times. Then his daughters turned 12 and he joined them on the march. Afterwards, his wife wanted to give it a try. When she later had to stop because of health issues, his daughters stepped up again.

And so it kept going.

“Every time I think: this is enough. But then someone else wants to walk,” René says.

So once again, he will be standing at the starting line — for the 22nd time.

Jannie Westerlaken (43) from Werkendam walked the past two editions of the 4Days Marches (40 km) for Stichting Vlinderkind. This year, however, she is taking things a step further.

She and her entire family of six will be standing at the starting line together — and not just that, they are all walking the 50-kilometre distance.

The goal is the same for everyone: raising awareness and contributing to a better life for Butterfly Children.

“We’re walking blisters to make this blistering disease more manageable,” says Jannie.

For her, the cause is especially personal. Two nights a week, she cares for Danielle, a young girl living with the condition.

Linda Hoekman (56) from Purmerend experiences the 4Days Marches as much more than a walking event. For her, it is a form of therapy.

She lives with PTSD and walks together with her friend Danielle. The training and the event itself help her grow stronger step by step.

But it does not come without challenges.

“At the start, I felt a panic attack coming on,” Linda says. “And later on the bridge, it came back again. But I kept going.”

Along the way, she finds support in conversations, the atmosphere, and the people standing along the route.

“The love you feel is so healing.”

Her connection with the police, her former employer, is also especially meaningful. Although she no longer works there, the bond remains strong, particularly during the 4Days Marches.

Jan van Laar (65) from Nijmegen is participating in the 4Days Marches for the 30th time this year. But this edition is different from all the others.

For the first time, he has chosen the 30-kilometre distance — for a very special reason.

He is walking together with his grandson, who is experiencing his very first 4Days Marches this year.

For many years, Jan participated as a member of the Royal Netherlands Navy, with several participations and even two appearances as a detachment commander. He also took part in the Copenhagen–Nijmegen March (MAKONI).

This year, however, it is all about walking together and passing on experience to the next generation.

The 4Days Marches also brought him something else over the years: during the 2016 edition, he even found love there.

“I stuck around because of that,” he says with a smile.

Markus Brütsch (72) from Dennevy, France, is participating in his eighth 4Days Marches this year — a special milestone in a story that began many years ago.

He first came to Nijmegen through the Swiss Army. In 2014, his son convinced him to take part.

Now, at 72 years old, he is still a loyal participant. In fact, over the years he has completed every distance currently offered by the 4Days Marches: the 50 km, 40 km, the 40 km military route, and now the 30 km.

But 2026 has gained another special meaning. In February, he became a grandfather for the first time.

“Three generations, one story,” you could say.

For Markus, the 4Days Marches is more than a sporting achievement. He has successfully completed it seven times already and has one clear goal: earning the Golden Cross and proving that age is not an endpoint, but simply a new beginning.

Judith van den Hoven (46) from Nijmegen never thought she would be able to participate in the 4Days Marches. She lives with cystic fibrosis, a chronic condition that significantly limited her for many years.

Thanks to new medication, her health has improved tremendously in recent years, and with it came a new dream.

“I never would have dared to think I’d be able to walk the 4Days Marches,” she says.

Now she is grabbing that opportunity with both hands.

Judith is not only walking for herself, but also for others living with the same condition. She is raising money for the Dutch Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with one clear goal: contributing to research aimed at finding a cure.

Demi Schischke (30) from Westervoort is taking part in the 4Days Marches for the first time this year for a special reason. In February, she lost her grandfather, Ruud.

He lived with, among other conditions, diabetes, and Demi saw up close how much impact the disease had on his life. Yet he always remained positive and enjoyed what truly mattered. The 4Days Marches played an important role in that. “For him, it wasn’t just about walking, but mainly about the atmosphere and being together with family,” she says.

By taking part herself, Demi wants to honour him. “With every step, I think of him.” At the same time, she is focusing on the future. She is raising money for the Diabetes Fund to contribute to more research into the disease.

Brenda Sjaardema-van der Kamp (47) from Amersfoort has had a difficult year. In 2025, she was treated for triple-negative breast cancer and underwent intensive chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.

Even during her treatment, she stood along the route of the 4Days Marches with her husband. At that moment, she made a decision: “If I survive this, I will take part next year.”

And that is exactly what she is doing now. The road to this point has not been easy. Training was tough, but one thing is certain: she will be at the start.

Michella Schouten (37) from Hummelo has completely turned her life around. The number 40 plays a special role in this: 4 days of 40 kilometres and more than 40 kilos lost.

Where she once struggled with an eating addiction, she found a new anchor in movement. “I went from an eating addiction to a walking addiction,” she says.

With support, she changed her life and, as she puts it, gained a second chance. Walking became her new outlet and eventually grew into the 4Days Marches.

Cees Dortland (74) from Capelle aan den IJssel has three remarkable milestones this year. He completes his 25th 4Days Marches, turns 75 during the week, and takes part for the 15th time for the ALS Foundation.

His motivation is personal. In 2012, he lost a close friend to this disease. Since then, he has been raising as much money as possible for research. “I hope to receive nice birthday gifts this year in the form of donations.”

Walking is far from self-evident for him: Cees does so with two worn hips, but giving up is not an option. Movement is in his DNA. As a volunteer exercise coach—“Beweeg Cees”—he helps elderly people in care homes stay active with music, enjoyment and accessible exercises.

Henny Zuidema (59) from Veendam is once again at the start of the 4Days Marches. After previously dropping out three times and finishing once—an experience she describes as “a hell”—she did not give up.

In 2023, Henny underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost 53 kilos. “I feel much healthier and more energetic now,” she says. With that new foundation, she now looks at the event differently: her goal is to finish, but above all to enjoy it. “With all the challenges that come with it,” she adds, as living with a gastric bypass requires discipline during such an event.

She has also been involved for years as a Red Cross volunteer during the 4Days Marches and is now back on the course herself.

Adwin Gallant (63) from Ottawa (Canada) has a long history with the 4Days Marches. He began in 1998 as a military participant in a team from Ottawa. What started as a single participation grew into a lasting involvement.

After several editions, he went on to train and support military teams and later became an advisor for Canadian groups. Even after retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2008, he remained connected to the event.

Since then, he has walked as a “Canada Veteran Walker”, a role he developed himself, including a distinctive logo. With this, he aims to show that Canadian veterans continue to cherish the bond with the Netherlands and the 4Days Marches.

Barry Berends (53) from ’s-Hertogenbosch is at the start of the 4Days Marches again this year, and that is far from self-evident. He lives with COPD Gold 3, a severe lung disease that affects his stamina every day.

Still, he was not stopped by it before. He successfully completed his first 4Days Marches. This year he is aiming for his second finish and therefore a medal with a crown. “I hope it works out again,” Barry says.

Heleen Hoppesteyn (55) from Schoorl spent years believing that sport was not for her. She told herself this for decades—until now.

At 55, she decided to let go of that belief and challenge herself. With a pounding heart, she signed up via the KWbN “Via Vierdaagse” programme and started training.

“With every training session, I discover what I am capable of,” she says. The 4Days Marches is not only a sporting challenge for her, but also personal proof that you can start at any age and that movement is possible for everyone.

With healthy nerves, she looks forward to her first 4Days Marches. One goal is clear: to hold the medal after four days. And if it is up to her, she will inspire others along the way to take the same step.

Marijn van Adrichem (29) from Delft made last year’s 4Days Marches especially memorable. Just after the pontoon bridge in Cuijk, he went down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend Ellen.

The 4Days Marches had already played an important role in their lives. In 2023, they started walking when Ellen’s father took part for the 25th time. Since then, the event has been part of their yearly calendar.

For Marijn, it was the perfect place for the proposal. With the help of two spectators, the moment was captured. “During our break they asked if we wanted a photo at Cuijk… perfect timing,” he says. The moment ended with a clear ‘yes’. They are now married and return to that same place this year.

Willem Broekhuis (78) from Bergen op Zoom is marking an exceptional achievement this year: his 50th 4Days Marches.

What makes it even more special is that he is not doing it alone. His children are also taking part, with 31, 30 and 24 participations respectively. Together they form a family in which the 4Days Marches is deeply rooted. Year after year, they return to Nijmegen.

Rianne Engel (41) from Lichtenvoorde knows better than anyone how suddenly life can come to a standstill. In 2019, her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour. When their children were only 1 and 3 years old, everything changed.

As if that was not enough, she also lost her mother-in-law to the same disease in 2021. And in July last year, her husband passed away at just 40 years old.

During those difficult years, walking became her anchor. “Kilometre by kilometre, I found space to breathe and the strength to carry on,” Rianne says. The 4Days Marches became more than an event; it became her outlet.

Last year she walked one day and raised over €6,000 for the Dutch Brain Foundation through a sponsorship campaign. That day felt like a way to give something back for all the support and warmth she received during that difficult period. She was no longer able to continue walking; her place was at home with her family. A week later, she lost her husband.

This year she returns with one goal: to earn her 10th medal. “I know it will be emotional, especially in the week that marks exactly one year since I lost him. But that is precisely why it feels important to keep going. Step by step.”

Christian Boeren (45) from Teteringen is taking part in the 4Days Marches for the first time this year. Through the sponsorship walk, he is raising as much money as possible for CliniClowns. With success: the total has already reached nearly €5,000.

His motivation is personal. “I have a history with my son and CliniClowns,” Christian says.

With every kilometre he walks, he wants to give something back to children and families who need support.

Nienke Lammers (49) from Sint Pancras saw her life change during the 2012 4Days Marches. During training sessions she joined a detachment where Erik worked as a caregiver. On the Sunday before the start, sparks flew and they began a relationship.

A year later, Nienke was already pregnant with their daughter. That daughter is now old enough to take part herself—and that is exactly what is happening this year. For the first time, they will start the 4Days Marches together.

The roles remain beautifully balanced: while they walk together, Erik once again does what he did all those years ago—providing care along the route.

Erik van den Berg (24) from Naaldwijk is taking part in the 4Days Marches for the 11th time this year, and he has done so since the age of 12 without missing a single edition.

What started at a young age grew into a fixed tradition. Year after year, he returns to Nijmegen with the same goal: reaching the finish.

He is now part of a special group: Erik is most likely one of the youngest members of the Gold Cross Association. “And my story is far from over,” Erik says.

Jeanine Kuipers-Spanjer (55) from Deinum does not walk the 4Days Marches for herself alone. For her, it is about helping, connecting, and meaning something to others along the way.

She has already completed six sponsored walks for charities including Alzheimer’s Netherlands, Parkinson’s Netherlands, and research into multiple myeloma (Kahler’s disease), always for personal reasons connected to loved ones and colleagues affected by these illnesses.

Her fundraising is also very personal: from homemade baked goods and creative items to chair massages, everything contributes.

But it is especially on the route that Jeanine makes a difference. Without music in her ears, but with attention for those around her. “If someone is having a hard time, I walk alongside them,” she says. “With a chat, a piece of tape, a sweet, or simply support, I am happy to help people move forward.”

Last year she even finished the final day with a father with Parkinson’s and his daughter. “I was able to support, tape and massage them so we could finish together. Arriving near the end doesn’t matter to me, just like medals. I sometimes give those away to someone who is struggling and tells me their story. It can act like an amulet.”

Juliette Engelhard (61) from Elst is taking part in the 4Days Marches for the first time this year, and that is far from self-evident.

In November, she underwent major surgery: she donated her kidney to her husband at Radboudumc. A remarkable moment that marked a difficult but meaningful year.

Now she is at the start of a new chapter. She sees the 4Days Marches as both a conclusion to that period and a new beginning.

She is taking part in the sponsorship walk for the Dutch Kidney Foundation, to raise awareness for kidney donation and research.

Denise Verpaalen (24) from Nispen is taking part in the 4Days Marches this year with a special mission. She is supporting Stichting Haarwensen, an organisation that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness.

But Denise is doing more than just walking kilometres. After the 4Days Marches, she will donate her own blonde hair. Four days of walking—and then a gesture that goes beyond the finish line.

Gerrie van Hattem (60) from Oldebroek will line up at the start of the 4Days Marches this year together with her sisters Ina and Gerlinde. Three starting tickets, three first-time participants — something none of them ever expected.

But they are not walking just for themselves. Their participation has a clear mission: raising money for an electric wheelchair bicycle for care home De Hullen in Oldebroek.

Their mother lived there for many years. They witnessed firsthand how meaningful it is when residents, who can no longer cycle on their own, are still able to go outside again. “Just feeling the wind through your hair, just getting out for a moment — it makes such a difference.”

It is an experience that affects not only the residents, but also their families. A moment to go out together, to enjoy time together.

As a 12-year-old, Mathijs Verbakel (21) from Breda once completed the 4Days Marches over 4x30 kilometers. Back then it was mainly a fun challenge. But at the end of 2024, everything changed. During a ski accident he tore his ACL and meniscus and suffered multiple bruises. He spent the holidays in hospital, and after that the real work began: learning to walk again.

All of 2025 was dedicated to rehabilitation. From the first steps without crutches to building up longer distances — he documented it all.

Now, a year later, he is at the start of the 4Days Marches for 4x50 kilometers. “Not for a time or a medal, but to prove to myself that I’ve come back stronger.”

Malinda Bens (29) from Oeffelt is taking part in the 4Days Marches this year with a story that deeply resonates.

In March 2025, her brother-in-law Stef was diagnosed with testicular cancer. At first, recovery seemed possible, but a few months later devastating news followed: his illness was terminal.

Yet Stef remained true to himself — positive, full of energy, and determined to make the most of life. Skydiving, weekend trips, going out for dinner — nothing was postponed.

During a conversation about his farewell, Malinda asked whether she could walk the 4Days Marches for a cancer-related cause. Stef did not need much time to think. “Da vien ik moi” (“I think that’s beautiful”), was his response.

That became her motivation.

Malinda is walking for the Radboud Oncology Fund, contributing to cancer research and better prospects for others.

“I’m going to make the most of every possible moment,” she says. Four days long, with Stef in her thoughts and his love of life as her inspiration.

Olivia Daniels-Davies (11) from London is the youngest international participant in the 4Days Marches this year.

“The walk will be tough, but there are people who face much greater challenges every day,” she says.

That is why Olivia is raising money for The Passage, an organization that helps people experiencing homelessness by providing shelter, food, and opportunities for a better future. For her, it is simple: everyone deserves a safe place to live and a chance to build a future.

The 4Days Marches makes a special impression on Olivia because it brings together people from all over the world. “We are all different, but for four days we share the same goal: helping each other reach the finish line.”

Through her story, she hopes to show that age is no barrier to making a difference. “I hope people see that young people can make a positive impact on the world too.”

Thijs Verhagen (31) from Wijchen is taking part in the 4Days Marches for the 10th time this year, walking the 50-kilometre distance.

For Thijs, the 4Days Marches is about much more than walking. He has autism and a mild intellectual disability, and that is exactly why this week means so much to him.

“It clears my mind and gives me peace,” he explains.

The kilometres help him let go of everyday worries. Step by step, he finds relaxation and mental space.

But perhaps even more important is what he experiences along the route.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what challenges you have — during the 4Days Marches, everyone is equal.”

Timo van den Tillart (11) from Grave spent years standing along the route of the 4Days Marches. According to his parents, he has been cheering on walkers since the day he was born — even with a baby bottle in his hand.

It did not take long for him to know one thing for certain: one day, he wanted to take part himself.

This year, that dream becomes reality. For the first time, he will stand at the start line — and as the youngest participant in the event.

“I think it’s really amazing. It’s a dream come true,” he says enthusiastically.

What makes his participation even more special is that he has linked it to a charitable cause. Timo is walking for Make-A-Wish, helping children with serious illnesses experience a dream come true of their own.

The spirit of the 4Days Marches has been part of his life from the very beginning. Both of his parents have participated several times themselves. He also took his preparation seriously, from long walks to visit family members to training sessions in pouring rain.