When preparing make sure you have the right boots and socks. It is fully suggested that your boot size is a full size larger than you normally wear. The reason is each foot will pound the pavement 25,000 times each day. That means your boot needs to have space for your foot to slightly swell. So choose your boots and socks carefully.

They do this for two important reasons. 1. For a cooling off period to reduce blisters. 2. To allow socks to dry or to even change socks. They also all take their jackets off to allow the drying of undergarments and cooling off. A cooling off period for your feet and body will significantly reduce blisters and fatigue.

Military DOES NOT finish at Charlemagne, so YES, you must march Via Gladiola. The official march route INCLUDES Via Gladiola. All marchers – military and civilian – must complete the official march route. Ergo: you must exit the course via Via Gladiola. This also means that marchers who cut Via Gladiola and return to Heumensoord from Charlemagne risk disqualification of the current as well as future marches (revocation of past awards is not entirely impossible, see below).   The reason that military “pause” at Charlemagne is to assemble for the parade, give marchers some recovery, and present them medals for public demonstration. Marchers may drop their weight at this point, and march officials will cut the “bar code carrier” wristbands. However, these measures and receipt of medal do not constitute full award. Award is full and final only past the Via Gladiola finish line, the end of the official march route.   If marching in a parade seems too much to ask, recall Army standard: “[a] foot march is successful when Soldiers arrive at their destination at the prescribed time and are physically and mentally able to execute their mission immediately” (Army Techniques Publication 3-21.18, Foot Marches, 1-2). This includes combat. If Service standard expects us to be able march into and win a deathmatch, marching in a celebratory parade seems not too much to expect. For our Sister Services, yes, this standard is Army… but do you want to prove that you’re less bestest than the best (Go ARMY!)? Be at least as good as Army. And walking down a 5km block party should not be too much to ask. We do expect it. Stichting mandates it. Do it.   This matter has confused everyone for a long time. The Dutch Stichting regulations don’t mandate Via Gladiola completion by name. However, they do specify marchers must adhere to the official march route, and that the Via Gladiola is part of that official march route. The applicable Dutch regulations are:   General Regulation Article 7 Participants must keep to the appropriate designated route. The entry along Via Gladiola is part of the official route.  https://www.4daagse.nl/cdn/6741774e-6462-41f6-b68a-e878244ecf85/general-2026-4days-marches-regulations.pdf   Military Regulation Article 18 In consultation with Stichting DE 4DAAGSE, the Commander of the Central Military Support Command (CVM) determines the manner and scale of the detachments’ departure from Charlemagne. The subsequent entry along ‘Via Gladiola’ is part of the official route.  https://www.4daagse.nl/cdn/e819adfa-99f7-4f81-a047-54dec45dca37/2026-4days-marches-regulations-for-military-participants.pdf   Regulations Governing Disqualification Article 7 7.1. A participant who has been disqualified may, depending on the nature and severity of the violation that caused the disqualification, be denied the right to participate in one or more future 4Days Marches by the Head of Organisational Affairs.  Aricle 8  8.1. If, within a reasonable time after a completed participation that resulted in the participant being awarded a reward, certain actions by the participant come to light that would, had these actions been known earlier, have barred the participant from reward, the Head of Organisational Affairs shall proceed to retroactively disqualify this participant. https://www.4daagse.nl/cdn/aafccdb0-36a4-4eef-9cf1-c41c72530210/4days-marches-regulations-governing-disqualification.pdf

Via Gladiola is the parade. It is the final 5km of the 166.5km regulation military distance (2025 route). It begins at Charlemagne, so don't quit there. Follow the Sint Annastraat into the center of town. March a route cheered by a hundred thousand. There are plenty of kisses and candy (and alcohol for the asking). Or march stoically by showcasing the medal on your uniform. Fall into formation to pass the reviewing stand filled with distinguished visitors and general officers, return the salute. Turn the corner - wave to Dutch national television - and you're done. Buses shuttle military back to Heumensoord. Or, consider the entire march the parade. Get ready for an unforgettable march through the beautiful Dutch countryside!

We're always looking for volunteers to help make the Four Days March a success. Sign up on our website and be a part of this iconic event!

The parade starts at 4am and ends at 8pm each day. Make sure you're there early to get a good spot and enjoy the show!

Only military personnel are allowed on Camp Heumensoord. Families are welcome to watch you along the route or meet you at Charlemagne to see you get your medal. Keep in mind most roads are closed during the event and it may require them to walk a significant distance to get there.