Gwendolyn van der Bie from Breda is participating in the Nijmegen Four Days Marches for the eleventh time this week. That may not seem very special at first sight, but it is if you know her age. She is only 23 and is therefore the youngest of all participants who have already completed the four days ten times.
Written by
Leon Voskamp
Gwendolyn is one of 9250 Brabanders who will start on Tuesday. Her love for the Four Days Marches started in the buggy. “My mother and grandmother ran the 4Daagse together and as a young child I was already taken along as a spectator. When I was a little older, I really wanted to go along. When I was 11 years old, that was allowed and I started with the 30 kilometers.”
She also participated in the nine subsequent editions, only interrupted by the corona years. This makes her the youngest ‘Golden Cross bearer’. “I didn’t know I had achieved a special performance until I was pointed out by the organization. For me, the Nijmegen Four Days Marches is simply an event that I always immediately put in my agenda.”
“When you get to the finish line, it’s an emotional moment.”
When she turned 15, she went from the 30 to the 40 kilometers. This distance is sometimes difficult. “In 2019 I ran very smoothly and I had no problems. The other editions there was always a moment when things went against you. I know what I’m doing and then take a rest. Since my walking pace is quite high, I can afford the extra time. When you finally reach the finish line, it is an emotional moment.”
According to Gwendolyn, the Nijmegen Four Days Marches are especially special because of the atmosphere. “Walking is an afterthought, it is a party along the side in many places. As a hiker it is so special to experience. You see a lot about the 4Daagse on television and in the newspapers, but in real life it is even more beautiful. There is a close bond among the participants, which you can only explain if you walk along yourself. We got to know people that we meet every year at the event.”
“After a few trips I know ‘the feeling’ again.”
The Brabant woman can’t wait for the start of the 105th edition of the largest multi-day walking event in the world. “I used to train every week, but with my experience that has become less and less. After a few trips I know the feeling again. My mother Terry is participating for the 35th time this year. We are ready and looking forward to it.”
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2023-07-17 10:36:54
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