Mild weather to favor 45,000 walkers at Nijmegen Vierdaagse; Fireworks canceled
More than 45,000 participants from over 70 nationalities will take to the roads starting Tuesday for the 108th Vierdaagse, the world's largest annual walking event. The mild weather is expected to make conditions feel manageable for the four-day march.
Organizers, however, were forced to cancel Sunday night's traditional "Waal in Vlammen" fireworks display. The show on the Waalkade had been set for 10:30 p.m. A hydraulic system defect during final preparations caused an oil leak. Atomized hydraulic oil came into contact with part of the fireworks, leading to the cancellation on safety grounds.
Vierdaagse director Joris Bouwmeister said Monday morning that the organization is "going to see if there are alternatives. We are looking at whether firing the fireworks later in the week is an option."
Bouwmeister stressed that the safety of staff, spectators, and all involved always comes first. "Because it could not be guaranteed that the fireworks could be set off safely under these circumstances," he added. The event had been moved from its traditional Tuesday slot to Sunday to give walkers a better chance to attend.
Walkers ages 11 to over 90 will cover 30, 40, or 50 kilometers daily through Nijmegen—known locally as the Waalstad—and its scenic, wooded surroundings. Age and gender determine the minimum distance required.
About 32 percent of last year's participants were debutants, in line with the recent average of around 30 percent. Of those first-timers, 88 percent completed the event and received their medal.
Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers will assist walkers dealing with blisters and other issues. In 2025, they helped 3,200 participants with blisters.
Forecasts call for daytime highs of 20 to 22 degrees Celsius through Friday, July 24—several degrees below the usual late-July average—with a possible increase to 24 degrees on Friday afternoon.
Tuesday looks largely dry with sunny intervals. Light rain or brief showers are possible Wednesday and Thursday, with no heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, hail, or strong winds forecast. Nights will cool to 12 or 13 degrees, typical for the season. Early morning walkers may want a light jacket that can be removed as temperatures rise.
This year, for the first time, organizers will introduce a pilot project featuring urinals for women. Another 50 extra urinals for men at known public urination hotspots will also be added.
