MONS, Belgium - The SHAPE International Marching Team finished the 4 Days Marches in Nijmegen, the Netherlands on July 19, 2024, the largest multiple-day marching event in the world.
Over 45,000 people from more than 60 countries, including almost 8 thousand military personnel, gathered in the Dutch city to participate in the annual event. Military teams stayed overnight in the temporary Camp Heumensoord and walked more than 160 km while carrying 10kg of weight.
“It has been a privilege to lead the IMT SHAPE this year during the 4 Days marches. The mix of different nationalities and ranks in one team is more than unique,” said Sylvester Malipaard, SHAPE International Marching Team Captain.
Camaraderie is what bonds us and made us complete this hard event
“In addition, the people of Nijmegen and surrounding areas made this event something you will never see anywhere else.”
The SHAPE team went through some rigorous training in preparation for the event. Training began in March with shorter walks of around 15km, leading up to a 65km 2-day march in Blankenberge, Belgium and an 80 km march in Diekirch, Luxembourg.
”To me the Nijmegen 4 Day Marches isn’t just a fun fitness event. It puts us back in touch with the basic duty of any soldier, to march long distances with weight," said Staff Sergeant Tom Evans.
It’s amazing to see all the motivated military personnel prepare to volunteer for this, and it really shows the strength we have in our Allied Militaries
"It gives you a long time to reflect on the historic marches of the past, especially 80 years from Operation Market Garden here in the Netherlands. Back then the motivation was to eliminate fascism as soon as possible and that’s very inspiring.”
The "Vierdaagse" (Dutch for "four day march") is an annual walk that has taken place since 1909, and has been based at Nijmegen since 1916. Originally a means by which the Dutch infantry aimed to increase their long-distance marching and weight-carrying ability, the popularity among military and civilians alike has increased year-on-year. Participation is now so in-demand that a restriction has been set on registration.
Group picture of the SHAPE International Marching Team.
