204 FIELD HOSPITAL TACKLE THE NIJMEGAN MARCHES

Every year on the third Tuesday of July, thousands of people show up at the start of ‘ The Greatest Walking Event in the World’. The Nijmegen Marches or Four days Marches draws people of all ages from all over the world. Also known as ‘The Walk of the World’ participants walk to stretch their boundaries. The goal of the event has always been to promote sport and exercise. The walks are a challenge to test stamina and mental agility.

This year was the 100th edition of the marches with fifty thousand participating. Back in 1909, 296 military servicemen and 10 civilians took part in the very first edition of the Four days Marches. The goal of the event was to promote sport and exercise. 

A Pair of army boots and a helmet makes up the gate to Camp Heumensoord, which accommodates 5,500 military participants from around thirty countries. From the moment the boots and helmet are in place the camp is officially a military barrack and all military participants are under military law. Some free time is offered before the start of the walks giving teams time to bond and individuals time to sort out personnel administration and prepare for the walk.

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This year, a team from 204 Fd Hospital set off from Belfast to participate in the Nijmegen Marches. After arriving at the camp the team spent the evening in Nijmegen enjoying the ‘craic’ at Cafe de Fuik and The Shamrock Bar, new acquaintances were made and old friendships rekindled.

The teams start time for Tuesday was 0530 hrs, reaching the approach to the Nijmegen Bridge about 0630 hrs. They marched on through Elste then on to Lent stopping of course at military checkpoints along the way for food and drink. Leaving Lent led back into Nijmegen along the Dyke, which is known for lack of shelter and shade. The day was really hot and humid. Today’s route was 43.4km.

The team looked good considering the heat. The civilians finished at Wedren and the troops marched on on what seemed like an endless drag into Heumensoord. The team stopped for the traditional cold drink at the Bowling Alley before the last push.

Finishing in the beer tent, no doubt one or two were enjoyed.

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On day 2 the start time for the team was 0430 hrs. The organisers decided on earlier start times to avoid the heat of the day. Sadly one team member had dropped out after day 1 due to heat exhaustion. Today the route took the walkers through the town of Wijchen. This had been another extremely hot day. The team had marched into Wijchen looking well and in good spirits. The team finished earlier today at 1400hrs after refreshments at the bowling alley. No major problems were reported. Start time for Thursday was 0430 hrs.

Day 3 was an extremely hot day. Day 3 is known as the day of the seven hills. The route passes through the towns of Groesbeek and Berg en dal. The team took it slowly due to the extreme heat. Ten finished day 3 a distance of 39.9km.

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Day 4, the day of Cuijk is the longest day with a distance of 46km. Another early start but what a difference to the weather. Thunder and lightning and torrential rain, making walking conditions very dangerous and unpleasant. Sadly team 204 had lost another member today. The remaining team members marched on in inclement weather. By the time the team reached Cuijk the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to break through. Through Cuijk and over the pontoon bridge. The bridge is built every year over the River Mass to provide a safe river crossing for over 40,000 walkers. After the bridge, there is a rest place, and then it’s on to the long, what seems like never ending stretch of road into Charlemagne military rest area approximately 250 metres before Nijmegen. This is where military participants get ready for the entry into Nijmegen.  The team received their medals and got themselves together for the 5km heros’ welcome on Via Gladiola.

Congratulations to all from 204 who completed or attempted the Nijmegen Marches 2016

Article by Capt Kate Gilmore.