For the sake of anyone interested in doing the Nijmegen March this year PRIVATELY.
The second round of the application process opens this morning (Monday 13th Feb) at 10:00 CST - 9am over here.
Unlike in previous years where there was a ballot for first timers, who weren’t in teams - this year it is “first come - first served”.
There are 47,000 spaces available - as of last night, 32,606 have been taken up - including 1,368 Dutch Military and 266 Other Military Contingents.
So, from 9am today you can register and pay for your spot and guarantee your participation at this year’s 4 Day march.
UK Military Teams including RAFAC would still need to go via BMC etc - but, going as a civilian individual might afford any staff interested in going out and experience Nijmegen by themselves, without the pressure of looking after cadets.
You will be able to experience the whole process from getting there, picking up your start card and goody bag, then waking up at the crack of dawn (in fact a couple of hours before that!) and enjoying a beautiful walk in the Dutch countryside, being cheered on and supported by locals in their 100,000s.
Going individually as a civilian, means each person is required to walk the minimum distance for their age - there is no carrying extra weight.
What’s more, going as an individual means you can walk at your own pace, take as many “unscheduled” extra rest stops as you like, take as many photos as you like and so on.
The walking group I go with has use of its own sports hall, including its own showering facilities (with plentiful hot water!) and bathrooms, a spacious & friendly sports bar, we have our own messing on site, with professional outside caterers brought in - providing tasty food in abundance. We also have our own first aid, rest area support crew and bussing service that takes you from the accommodations to the start line and back each day.
Please feel free to DM me with any questions.
Please note - minimum age for individuals is 18.
The accommodation is separated male / female.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (of the same sex).
As per the IBN from HQAC - there are to be NO official or “unofficial” RAFAC teams until further notice - but there is nothing to stop a “loose group” of adults walking along together at a similar pace.
For the sake of staff cadets, you should check with your WRMO / RRMO, if you participate privately can you claim your Gold Nijmegen badge.
To reiterate - this is NOT a RAFAC event, it is NOT on SMS, any staff from RAFAC participating as an individual is doing so privately and is not representing RAFAC. You will be walking in civvy clothing - military clothing is strictly for teams.
Our group typically host @ 150/200 or so members each year, many of whom have completed Nijmegen many times. They are a sociable group, mostly from the UK but include others from across Europe.
Furthermore, most of us wear a bright orange wicking t-shirt so you can pick us out at Nijmegen - we are the largest civilian group each year, and always try to walk up the Via Gradiola together.
From a set up point of view, they probably offer the best value “all inclusive” set up at Nijmegen.
Travelling out would be under your own steam, either flying in via Schipol then catching a train; catching EuroStar; taking a coach or driving across.
