4 months Ago
Ages of the Participants: 11–94 Years
People of every age have taken part in the event, with those in their sixties constituting the biggest group of walkers, almost a quarter of all participants. Those in their 20s are also a major group, standing at 19.4 percent. At age 11, the minimum age for participating, a walker is not only the youngest registered; with 94 years, one is also the oldest of the walkers.
Several athletes are about to accomplish big things this year. Two hundred ten walkers are returning for the 25th time, 34 for the 40th time, and 62 for the 50th time. And the mark of 71 completions belonged to Bert van der Lans, who died earlier this year.
Willie Heij, 82, currently holds the living record with 64 Vierdaagse marches under her belt. "I was 15 years old when I first did it," he said. "Even when the event was called off because of COVID-19, I ended up running the virtual event. I've got a slight case of Vierdaagse fever — the vibe, the people, the feel of it all — it keeps me coming back." Heij aims to equal or beat the 71-record and dreams of doing a Vierdaagse at the age of 100.
Attendance of Red Cross Volunteers During Drizzling Weather
There are 363 Red Cross volunteers on the routes this week to help treat walkers with blisters and other physical ailments. Rain is in the forecast for the event, and the red cross has urged all entrants to pack extra dry socks if they want to be comfortable and avoid injury.
Vierdaagse Nijmegen has consistently grown to become one of the biggest walking events in the world, attracting participants from all over the world and forging incredible bonds between walkers and their supporters.
