In Nijmegen, it’s the time of year: walkers from all over the world visit the city to challenge themselves in "The Walk of the World." For four days, participants walk 30, 40, or 50 kilometers through the Waal city and its beautiful surroundings with a same goal: the coveted Four Days Marches Cross. In this edition of “What do scientists say about...,” three researchers reflect on the Nijmegen Four Days Marches.
“I don’t walk in the Four Days Marches myself, because secretly I enjoy the festivities way too much. When you suddenly run into people on the street you never expected to see – that still brings me joy after all these years! Maybe you experience that as well when you do walk the Four Days?
I hope that, at the very least, walkers also enjoy the beauty of the nature they pass through during those many kilometers. As an ecologist, my research takes place in the agricultural area of the Ooijpolder– specifically the first part of the Ooijsedijk when viewed from the city. It’s a unique nature area, very close to the city. Why is it so special? Due to agricultural scaling, farmland plots today are made as large as possible. But if you look at old maps, you’ll mainly see small plots of farmland surrounded by hedges. In the Ooijpolder, those hedges and other flower strips have been reintroduced as a measure to help bring nature back to the farmlands.
And what happens when all those hedgerows return? Biodiversity! You can see and hear it as you walk through. So, as a walker – or even if you're not walking—take more time to look around and listen to how special nature really is.”
Robin Lexmond is a PhD candidate in Ecology. During the Four Days Marches, she will be at Stadseiland Stek sharing insights about the nature along the route. When? Sunday, July 13 at 5:45 PM. More info: https://www.ru.nl/en/about-us/events/radboud-vierdaagse-stadseiland-stek.
“When you complete the Four Days Marches, everyone says you’ve ‘conquered yourself.’ But why achieve such a personal milestone among thousands of other walkers? That’s a good question...
I’m one of those people myself. I walked the Four Days Marches seven years ago. As someone with firsthand experience and as a philosopher, I have one key message: there’s a big difference between walking the Four Days Marches and having walked the Four Days Marches.
Because let’s be honest: walking it isn’t fun – sorry. But having walked it – now that’s fun! I can now tell you: I’ve done it.
Wanting to walk the Four Days Marches purely for yourself? That’s a romantic illusion. I’m skeptical of people who claim that. Because if you’re really doing it for yourself, why not walk those insane distances in April, on your own? It’s like a marathon – you can run those kilometers without a massive event. What I’m saying is: it’s a social thing. You do it so you can tell others you achieved something recognizable.
And the best part? Once you’ve completed the Four Days Marches, you earn the right to brag – like I’m doing now. Every year, I proudly say I walked 50 kilometers four days in a row. Then I take it up a notch by emphasizing how tough that year was for me. Trust me: as a walker, the real fun starts after the Four Days Marches.”
Marc Colsen is a PhD candidate in Metaphysics and Philosophical Anthropology.
“Imagine what it does to a child’s sense of wonder to see thousands of people walking together with joy. To see those people cheered on like heroes. To witness huge celebrations in the city for something as simple as walking. That can leave an incredibly positive impression on kids.
The Nijmegen Four Days Marches is much more than just an intense four-day walk. It’s a celebration of movement. It’s a moment where we can show children how fun and important being active is.
My research focuses on what motivates people to get moving – and, more importantly: why they keep doing it. How do we prevent people from becoming inactive in a time where it's increasingly easy to be sedentary?
It sounds cliché, but “a habit learned young is practiced for life.” If children understand early on why they should move, what they enjoy, and what suits them, they’ll carry that with them forever. I see this reflected in my research too: intrinsic motivation is the most stable reason people keep moving. All other factors – like competition or social elements – matter more at certain times than others. This proves how important it is to build a strong foundation for wanting to move.
Yet for many families, physical activity isn’t something they can take for granted. Children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are much more likely to meet exercise guidelines because their parents can afford sports memberships and equipment. That’s why I believe it’s so important to see the Four Days Marches as a crucial opportunity to make young families aware of accessible ways to get children moving as early as possible.
On Saturday, July 12, I’ll be at the Kidsplein, on Mariënburgplein in Nijmegen, together with my colleague Hidde Bekhuis. We’ll introduce families to a loose parts play area. The idea is that with just a few random items (like a bicycle tire, a plastic tube, or a barrel), kids can decide for themselves how they want to play. In short: the toys have no pre-set purpose. That way, children use their imagination instead of worrying if they’re playing “the right way.” Of course, we’re happy to explain to parents how this works – so please come by!
And finally, why not have primary school classes walk 5 kilometers, for example, so they can experience how fun and special it is? Take advantage of the huge appeal of the Four Days Marches. Make movement a celebration!”
Femke van Abswoude is Assistant Professor of Active Living. During the Four Days Marches, she will be at the Kidsplein. When? Saturday, July 12 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. More info: https://www.ru.nl/en/about-us/events/four-days-marches-marienburgplein-kids-lab.
During the Four Days Festivities from July 12 to 18, 2025, there will be room for science and more depth, in addition to music, party and good food.