GERARDS STORY
A story of encouragement from Gerard
‘You never walk the 4Days Marches alone’
Last year, Gerard walked his 29th 4Days Marches. However, that edition proved a lot tougher than any of the previous editions he walked. On the back of that, he now understands better than anyone how important the 4Days Marches’ spectators are.
In his younger years, Gerard experienced the 4Days Marches from the sidelines. He would stand outside his girlfriend’s house in Cuijk to watch the walkers pass. While he wondered why all those people would put themselves through the ordeal of walking 50km, he decided to give it a try himself in 1986. ‘Never again, I said to myself after the first day. That it would ultimately turn into an unforgettable experience, both physically and mentally, is something I didn’t think possible at that point.’
Hooked
After day four, however, Gerard understood why people get hooked on the 4Days Marches. And so he walked with members of his family the following years, with his father, sons, partner, brother and sister, and cousins. When he ran out of family members to walk with, Gerard still kept taking part. As a solo walker, he got to really experience the 4Days Marches: ‘For a long time, I thought of the spectators as merely the decor. I enjoyed the music and how they cheered me on. It wasn’t until I started walking on my own that I really felt the energy they give us walkers.’
Tremendous applause
In 2024, Gerard started his 29th edition, but it didn’t at all go like his previous editions. ‘As early as on day two, my back started to ache. Bearing the pain and walking at a slow pace with lots of breaks, I got to Waalkade. I’d already lost faith in my ability to make it to the finish line before the close at 5pm.’ People watching from the side of the road gave him water and paracetamol. ‘With great difficulty, I dragged myself up the steep climb near Valkhofpark. There were four rows of spectators lining the route and the applause was tremendous. At five minutes to 5pm, I was near Faberplein. Then suddenly, two ladies by the side of the road pushed aside the barrier, grabbed my arms and dragged me to De Wedren. I’d never experienced anything like it.’
4Days Marches magic
Thanks to these two ladies’ help, Gerard was able to rethink his decision to withdraw and made it to the finish line. On days three and four, Gerard walked with a lot of support from his personal supporters. The two ladies followed him on his heels. On Friday, they were waiting for him at the finish line with two big bouquets of gladioli. ‘During this 29th edition, I felt the magic in every fibre of my body: you never walk the 4Days Marches alone. It’s the spectators who carry you over the finish line.’
