The Nijmeegse Vierdaagse is seeing a significant shift in demographics, with participants aged 21 to 30 now accounting for 20.5 percent of the field, up from 7.5 percent in 2016. According to Gijs Janssen, directeur-bestuurder of the Koninklijke Wandelbond Nederland (KWbN), the surge in young walkers reflects a broader trend toward outdoor activity that accelerated during the pandemic and has since become a fixture of modern social and sporting life.
From Pandemic Necessity to Social Trend
The roots of this growth trace back to 2020 and 2021, when pandemic-related restrictions left few options for exercise. Janssen notes that young people began walking to maintain physical fitness and clear their minds. This behavior evolved into a habit, with many now using walking as a primary way to socialize. Emiel Fleer (26), a two-time Vierdaagse participant, confirms this shift: “Sinds corona spreek ik vaak wandelend af met vrienden. Dat deed ik daarvoor bijna nooit.”
Did You Know? The popularity of walking is not limited to the Vierdaagse; recent events such as the inaugural Utrecht City Walk sold out all 5,000 available tickets earlier this month.
The Role of Influencers and Goal-Setting
The rise of “wandelinfluencers” has been instrumental in normalizing hiking and long-distance walking among younger generations. Roos Freije (31), who shares her experiences with 63,000 Instagram followers, suggests that walking offers a necessary antidote to the constant stimulation of digital life. “Mensen zitten tegenwoordig veel op hun telefoon, dat geeft veel prikkels. Daardoor trekt de behoefte aan de natuur aan,” says Freije.
Expert Insight: The trend suggests a shift in how younger generations approach athletic accomplishment. By framing walking as a “bucket list” challenge—similar to marathons or Hyrox competitions—young adults are successfully gamifying endurance, turning individual exercise into a collective, achievement-oriented experience.
Future Outlook for Walking Events
As the Vierdaagse begins this coming Tuesday, the presence of groups like the one formed by former board members of the student rowing association Phocas highlights the social importance of these events. Participants like Fleer see these challenges as a way to maintain connections after graduation and professional relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the percentage of young participants in the Vierdaagse increasing?
The increase is attributed to a post-pandemic shift in habits where young people discovered walking as a way to exercise and disconnect, bolstered by the influence of social media figures who promote outdoor activities.
What motivates young adults to participate in long-distance walking?
According to participants and experts, the motivation is a combination of seeking mental clarity, the desire to achieve a tangible, “bucket list” style goal, and the social experience of participating in large-scale events with peers.
Is this trend limited to the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse?
No, according to the KWbN, the growth is visible across various formats including urban walks, family walks, and light-themed walks, all of which are seeing high participation rates.
What motivates you to choose a physical challenge over a traditional workout?
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