The International Four Day “Marches Nijmegen” is the largest multiple day marching event in the world. It is organised every year in Nijmegen, Netherlands in mid-July as a means of promoting sport and exercise. Participants walk 30, 40 or 50 kilometres daily depending on their age and gender, and, on completion, receive a royally approved medal.
This year, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets sent 22 cadets and 21 staff, both walkers and support team, to Nijmegen following ten months of dedicated training.
The essential training taught the cadets how to look after their feet, manage their hydration levels and more importantly improve their fitness and mental agility in readiness for this mammoth event.
This year, the Pathfinder team were the first team, of all the teams registered for the event, to complete the march and collect their medals having walked the course in record time. The support staff were at the end in the grandstand to cheer them all over the finish line.
All of the cadets complete the march this year, continuing the 100% cadet success rate for the wing. The success of this year’s team is down to the dedication and commitment of the cadets through the training sessions that were organised throughout the year and also to the hard working support team without whom these sessions would not be possible.
Squadron Leader David McMillan (RAFVRT) says, ‘Congratulations to all of the Nijmegen 2017 team! Your dedication and commitment has resulted in success for you all. My sincere thanks also goes out to the support team who have been with us for the last 10 months, without whom we wouldn’t be able to train so well!’
Do you have what it takes to be a part of the 2018 Nijmegen team? Perhaps you would like a Bronze road marching badge or Nijmegen badge and medal?
The first training march starts on 1st October this year, details will be out next month so speak to your Squadron staff if you are interested.
Congratulations again to the team of 2017!