For the first time in 2004, a registration limit was set at 47,000, with another limit set at 5000 for those walking the shorter "certificate" distance of 30 kilometers (18-20 miles) per day for four days. These registration limits were reached by March 10, 2004.
Because walkers outside of the European Union could not register online, 1500 entries are being held open for them. To obtain an entry form, call +31 (0)24 365 55 00 or e-mail: 4daagse@knblo-nl.nl.
Men's vs. Women's Distance Ruled Against
The Nijmegen walk has required men to walk 50 kilometers a day for four days to earn the Nijmegen Cross medal, while women only have to walk 40 kilometers a day for four days. A male entrant challenged this and the Dutch Commission for Equal Rights and Opportunities ruled in his favor in March, 2004.The organizing committee for the Nijmegen Vierdaagse has responded with respect to the commission that it is too late to change the rules for the July, 2004 event. But they face problems in trying to implement the same rules for both genders.
First, the 50 kilometer route cannot support the increased number of walkers if women must also walk that distance. There is also a concern that many of the women walkers would not register for the 50 kilometer distance.
Allowing men who walk the 40 kilometer distance to earn the Nijmegen Cross would cause an uproar among those who earned it by going the 50 kilometer distance. Over 1 million walkers have finished the Vierdaagse since 1909, with over 30,000 per year for the past 10 years.
Age and Gender Distances to be Reviewed
In response to the Commission, the Nijmegen Vierdaagse board will appoint two experts in the field of exertion physiology to review their distance requirements by age and gender, without participants being given longer on the walk or more time to recuperate between walking days.Currently, men aged 19-49 must walk the 50K route for four days to earn the Nijmegen Cross. Young men aged 16-18 and middle aged men 50-64 as well as women aged 16-59 earn the Nijmegen Cross by completing 40 kilometers a day for four days. Men 65 and over, women 60 and over, and both sexes aged 12-15 earn the Nijmegen Cross by walking 30 kilometers a day for four days. Those of any age may walk a shorter or longer distance, although they would only earn a certificate if walking a route shorter than the standards for their age and gender.
It was only in the past decade that women were allowed to walk the 50K distance at the Nijmegen Vierdaagse if they chose to do so.
