Breakdown service (for walkers)

Blisters, overworked muscles and joints, heel spurs, heat exhaustion, grazes, Achilles tendon injuries: although proper training leading up to the event can prevent a lot of walking-related misery, you can still end up with a walking injury. Every year the doctors, nurses, first aiders, blister prickers and masseurs come into action to treat thousands of walkers.

Medical aid stations

If you suffer from blisters or another injury along the way, you can stop by one of our medical aid stations. Two or three of these stations are set up each day for participants of all distances and an extra station is available daily for the walkers on the 50km route. The medical aid stations are housed in existing accommodations (like sports halls) or in specially equipped tents. All participants may make use of the medical aid provided at these stations.

In addition to the medical aid stations along the route, there are also various first aid posts at the start/finish location. We organise medical aid and support in collaboration with the Red Cross, Dutch Association for Sports Massage, and the Ministry of Defence.

Where can I find the medical aid stations?

The medical aid stations are indicated on the routes for each day. They are also easy to find in the 4Days Marches app.

Blarenpoli

At the Blarenpoli, you can receive treatment for your blisters from Tuesday, July 15 through Thursday, July 17. The Blarenpoli is located at the Karel de Grote College, with the entrance on Wilhelminasingel. You can join the queue between 11:00 hrs CET and 17:00 hrs CET. The last ticket will be issued 30 minutes after the official finish location closes, to allow even the latest finishers to reach the clinic in time. On Friday July 18, the Blarenpoli will be open from 11:00 hrs CET, but only for basic blister care. In addition, blister treatment is also available at the official 4Days Marches care posts set up along the route.

The Red Cross Medical Post is also located at the Blarenpoli. It will be open from Tuesday, July 15 through Friday July 18, from 10:30 hrs CET to 19:00 hrs CET.

There are four First Aid Posts located at the Wedren, Julianapark North, Julianapark East, and the 4Daagseplein. These will be open at the following times:

Sunday, July 13: Open from 12:30 to 18:00 hrs CET (Julianapark North only)
Monday, July 14: Open from 9:00 to 19:00 hrs CET PM (Julianapark North & Wedren)
Tuesday July 15 through Friday July 18: Open from 11:00 to 19:00 hrs CET (all four locations)

More info

Heat affects your body and your walking performance. That's why it's important to be well prepared.

Tips

Check the weather forecast
Also keep an eye on the 4Daagse website for the latest information.
Plan your rest breaks
Look at where the rest stops are along the route and take breaks more often than you’re used to.
Dress lightly
Wear light, breathable clothing and a cap, hat, or other head covering to protect against the sun.
Use sunscreen
Apply it several times a day with at least SPF 30.
Stay hydrated
Bring enough water and drink regularly. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Preferably drink small amounts throughout the day, such as sports drinks, broth, or juice, and consider adding electrolytes.
Limit alcohol
Alcohol causes dehydration.
Replenish salt
Sweating causes you to lose not only fluids but also salt. Eat a salty snack or use a sports drink to replenish.
Cool yourself down
Use water stations along the route. Cool your neck, wrists, and face.
Listen to your body
Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or tired? Immediately find a shaded spot, drink water, and consult a first aid worker if needed.