of the town hall

4 questions to mayor Hubert Bruls

Mayor of Nijmegen

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED FOR NIJMEGEN

"I wish all 4Days Marches participants four pleasant, injury-free days of walking."

As the host, what do you hope participants and visitors will instantly feel when they arrive here? What I often hear walkers and visitors say is how welcome and at home they feel in our city. Obviously, that makes me, as mayor, extremely proud. Organisers and local businesses pull out all the stops to give both those who come to party and those who come to walk the 4Days Marches a warm welcome. Locals decorate their homes along the route and cheer on walkers. It truly is one big party for the city and all its guests.

What is it that makes you most proud of Nijmegen during these four days? Every year in the third week of July, we welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to our city, and it always goes smoothly, without major incidents. The people of Nijmegen receive them with open arms and they never make a fuss about the noise or the fact that the whole city is turned upside down. The 4Days Marches is part of the fabric of Nijmegen. And it’s not just me who’s proud of that, it’s a shared pride for all the people of Nijmegen.

What small, typical detail of the 4Days Marches would you say participants should be sure to notice?

For me, the defining feature of the 4Days Marches is the sense of togetherness. Almost everyone you meet is relaxed, excited, and up for a chat. People walk together, and they party together. Over those four days, there seems to be no difference between people.

When do you consider the event a success?

I wish all 4Days Marches participants four pleasant, injury-free days of walking and look forward to seeing them along Via Gladiola on Friday. If everyone can go home satisfied and healthy afterwards, it will be mission accomplished for Nijmegen.