Nijmegan Marches

mountainofdebt

Am really interested in doing this next year.

what are the chances of being able to register as it seems its weighted in favour of those who've completed it before

Robisere

It's a long time since I did it, wearing a red beret, in the 70's.

I don't know how you can register as a civilian, in fact I didn't know that was possible; obviously things have moved on. I don't mean to object to civilians doing it, in fact I welcome that, the courage those men displayed in that battle should be celebrated by more people, that's why we did it.

If you can make it, you will find that the Dutch people are very warm and hospitable, they have never forgotten what the British and American Airborne forces tried to do, and what sacrifices were made. My mates and I had a great time every time we did it. Just make sure that your body and your footwear are up to it, if you do the whole march. Try to speak to an old soldier if you can about marches. My own tip is to wear 2 pairs of socks: the inner pair to be thin, outer pair thicker. Good foot powder (Talc is OK) on your feet and on the inner pair, this helps to avoid blisters. Don't wear new boots that are not fully broken-in and whatever you do, don't wear trainers! Take a couple of changes of socks, try to keep your feet dry. These are all lessons learned in 12 years of HMF, I still have perfect arches to my feet, which are still in good nick! (Wish the rest was!)

Good luck and I admire your wish to take part, hope you don't regret it!

mountainofdebt

Thanks for the info

I've heard that the four days are a lovely atmosphere, almost party like (if you can have a party walking all that distance every day for 4 days!) and I really want to do it.....hubby's up for it as well so you never know!