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First walkers cross the finish line at the Nijmegen Four Days Marches
- The fastest runner, Simon Brownlee, received his coveted medal before 10 am this morning.
- The Briton has been the first civilian participant to cross the finish line for years.
- It's the 27th time this time.
- The Four Days Marches feels like home now, he tells Omroep Gelderland.
The first crosses have already been handed out at the finish line of the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. The fastest runner, Simon Brownlee, received his coveted medal before 10 am this morning. The Briton has been the first civilian participant to cross the finish line for years.
"It is the 27th time this time. The Four Days Marches feels like home now, he tells Omroep Gelderland. Today is the last day of the annual major walking event.
Traditionally, the runners are welcomed by thousands of spectators on the Via Gladiola, nickname of the Sint-Annastraat, in Nijmegen. There they are showered with gladiolus, colorful flowers that symbolize strength and perseverance. Most of the runners are still expected at the finish line.
You can watch this livestream from 1:45 PM. The 108th edition started on Tuesday at 4 a.m. in the center of Nijmegen. This year, more than 45,000 runners from more than 70 countries participated in the walk.
The number of young runners has increased in recent years. In 2016, 7.5 percent of walkers were between the ages of 21 and 30, this year that was 20.5 percent. For the first time, the last part of the route was adjusted on Friday.
Normally tens of thousands of participants walked along the Elstweg, Doctor Moonsweg and Jan van Daalstraat in Beers, but not this year. According to the organization, this was necessary to ensure road safety."
Source: NOS