Transfer period for the 2026 4Days Marches closed

The transfer period for the 108th edition of the 4Days Marches has closed. Thanks to this arrangement, which was introduced for the first time in 2024, 3.915 participants were able to transfer their entry ticket to someone on the waiting list.*

Despite the transfer period, more than 11.000 people remained on the waiting list without securing an entry ticket. Interest in the 4Days Marches has exceeded the number of available entry tickets for many years. Unfortunately, this means that regardless of how the registration system is designed, there will always be people who would like to participate but are unable to obtain an entry ticket.

“In recent years, we have seen how many people are eager to take part in the 4Days Marches. That is something to be proud of, but it also means that we cannot accommodate everyone. We understand that this is disappointing for those who remain on the waiting list,” said March Leader Henny Sackers.

Balancing loyal participants and first-time walkers
When designing the registration process, we strive each year to strike a balance between rewarding loyal participants and providing opportunities for first-time walkers. In recent years, we have therefore introduced several changes aimed at creating sufficient room for new participants. In the past, all former participants were eligible to register during the first registration period. Over time, that group has been gradually reduced. For the 2027 edition, we will once again review the allocation of available entry tickets and the opportunities for first-time participants.

We recognize that there are differing views on this matter. That is precisely why we continue to seek a balanced solution that does justice to both first-time and experienced walkers.

Why does the transfer period end now?
We are regularly asked why the transfer period cannot remain open for longer. At the 4Days Marches, this process differs from that of many other events, partly because of the administration required for the Royal-approved medal awarded to our walkers.

After the registration period closes, medals and medal numbers must be ordered, checked, and distributed, and all participant data must be finalized and processed. This administrative work takes time. Therefore, we need to finalize the participant list well in advance, which means it is not possible to keep the transfer period open longer or to offer entry tickets after the registration days have taken place.

Not all available entry tickets were taken up
Although demand was high, some offered entry tickets were ultimately not transferred. In these cases, people on the waiting list received an offer but did not respond within the required timeframe. As a result, these entry tickets remain linked to their original owner.

Evaluation and improvements
As every year, we thoroughly evaluate the registration process, waiting list, and transfer period. Since the 4Days Marches takes place only once a year, we also have just one opportunity per year to test any changes in practice..

In our evaluation, we pay particular attention to, among other things, the technical outage during the second registration period, the position of first-time participants within the registration system, and the functioning of the waiting list and transfer period.

We also take into account the many responses, experiences, and suggestions we have received from participants. This input helps us further improve the organization of future editions. “The feedback we receive, both positive and critical, is valuable. Each year we carefully evaluate what works well and what can be improved. In doing so, we explicitly consider the experiences of both loyal participants and first-time walkers, so that we can continue to implement further improvements towards the 2027 edition as well,” said March Leader Sackers.

We would like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm and involvement in the 4Days Marches and look forward to a successful and enjoyable 108th edition.

* In 2024 this concerned 2.355 transferred entry tickets, and in 2025, 3.384.