What time can I start?
Each distance has its own starting times. Participants walking the 50km route start first, followed by those walking the 40 kilometres, and finally those who have registered for the 30 kilometres. In this way, we ensure the best possible spread of participants along the route.
New starting times
In recent editions, the number of participants for the 50km has been approaching the numbers for the 30km, while registrations for the 40km have slightly decreased. March leader Henny Sackers: "These numbers, which indicate an increasing popularity for the 50km, prompted a reconsideration of the starting times. An expert working group conducted extensive research into the possibilities and subsequently provided a recommendation, which we as the board have approved."
As a result, this year there will be three starting times:
- 50 km: 04:00 – 04:50 (50 minutes)
- 40 km: 05:00 – 06:50 (1 hour and 50 minutes)
- 30 km: 07:00 – 08:00 (1 hour)
No more starting groups
Due to the shift in the number of registrations per distance, it is no longer necessary to maintain the traditional starting groups for the 40km and 30km, formerly known as 'Wandelschoen' and 'Gladiool.' These groups will therefore be discontinued, allowing participants to always start at the same time as their walking companions. It is no longer necessary to exchange starting times among participants, which previously often caused unrest. Additionally, this change allows 40km and 30km participants to check in and out at any checkpoint.
With the aforementioned starting times, each participant has enough time to finish before the 17:00 hrs CET deadline, with an extra hour until 18:00 hrs CET on Friday. The number of participants allowed on the course per minute can be adjusted at the start to regulate congestion. Points along the route where potential stagnation might occur will be continuously monitored. We advise 40km participants to be mindful of potential congestion at the 5:00 hrs CET start. For a quieter start, it is recommended to arrive at the start/finish area around 6:00 hrs CET. Another tip is to use the starting gates at the Vierdaagseplein (Omroep Gelderlandplein), which are often less crowded than those at the Wedren itself.
Civilian groups
The starting times for a civilian group depend on the distance to be walked, and are located between:
- 50km: 04.00 - 4.30
- 40km: 04.45 - 05.30
- 30km: 06.45 - 07.15
Military participants
The starting times for military participants with the starting location Heumensoord are:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 04:30 - 07:00
- Friday: 03:30 - 06:30
Read more information about the start here: 2024 4Days Marches Regulations Governing Start and Sign-off.
More info
The organisation is trying to spread the flow of walkers over the route in order to prevent congestion just after the start. Therefore the participants are not allowed to start all at once.
Of course, when tens of thousands participants have to start within in a timeframe of a couple hours it is not unlikely that participants will hinder each other. So, just like travelling with public transport or when in the supermarket, we would like to ask you to show some consideration for each other, and that you do not cut in line and that you wait your turn. Kindly address each other regarding inappropriate behaviour and try to arrange matters justly.
Your wristband is indispensable during the 4Days Marches, as you need the barcode both at the start in the morning and at the finish in the afternoon. The scanners must be able to read the print on the wristband. If you are unsure of your wristband code's legibility or if your wristband is broken, please go to the Service Desk (open from 3.30-17.00 hrs CET) at De Wedren. After verification of your details, you will receive a new wristband.
Participants starting from Heumensoord who have problems with the wristband prior to the start, can report to one of the starting team members. They will give you a temporary replacement wristband. At the end of the day, report to the Service Desk at Heumensoord, where - after verification of you details - you will receive a new wristband.
