CAF members triumph in grueling Nijmegen Marches

Master Sailor (MS) Mitchel Kathol, Boatswain, and Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Amie-Anne Savage, Human Resource Advisor posing with their Vierdaagsekruis medals at the end of the Via Gladiola Parade Nijmegen, Netherlands, on July 19. Photo supplied

Kateryna Bandura, 
Lookout Contributor 

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Amidst sweltering heat and grueling conditions, three members from CFB Esquimalt joined eight other Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel in completing the prestigious Nijmegen Marches this July.

The 106th edition of this renowned event challenged military participants to march 40 kms daily for four consecutive days while carrying a 10 kg pack.

Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Amie-Anne Savage, Human Resource Administrator at Base Administration; Master Sailor (MS) Mitchel Kathol, Boatswain in HMCS Edmonton; and MS Lake Ruiz, Director General Naval Strategic Readiness, represented CFB Esquimalt, marching alongside over 45,000 participants from 73 countries.

“The event is overall one of the most positive atmospheres one could experience,” PO1 Savage said. “Despite being tired and working hard every day to get to the finish, the energy was electric.”

PO1 Savage completed the march in 2015 with the Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) team, and returned this time with her husband, MS Kathol, and another CFB Esquimalt member. With Canada postponing its official contingent until 2026, these determined service members participated as individuals.

PO1 Savage says preparation was intense and started months in advance.

“In February, we contacted Personnel Support Programs for the training plan the MARPAC team used in past years,” PO1 Savage said. “We marched before the start of workdays, normally at 4 a.m., and on weekends to maintain the physical demands of the Nijmegen Marches.”

To prepare for this grueling event, CAF candidates undergo rigorous training, including marching a minimum of 500 km with a 10 kg pack over the training period and completing at least two consecutive 40 km marching days.

“I tip my hat to those who completed the total distances wearing wooden clogs while I thought carrying a 10 kg ruck and wearing combat boots was hard,” PO1 Savage said. “When going to the small towns and hearing the crowd cheer you on, it gives that boost of energy needed.”

The march proved to be a formidable challenge, as it was physically and mentally demanding. This year’s march saw record-breaking temperatures, leading to a mandate for all military personnel to drop the weight on  the fourth day.

Upon completion, participants receive the prestigious royally-approved Vierdaagsekruis medal, also known as the Cross for the Four Day Marches.

“This year, I was awarded a new medal that included the crown above the cross as a second-time finisher,” PO1 Savage proudly said.

The event offered unique opportunities for international camaraderie.

“It’s always interesting being alongside other military personnel from other countries. At the end of the day, we are all there under the same goal, to finish,” PO1 Savage said. “So many elderly people still thank Canadians for liberating the Netherlands, and even small children would light up when they saw our flags.”

Despite the challenges, PO1 Savage strongly encourages other CAF members to participate.

“100 per cent do not sit on just the thought but rather jump on the opportunity,” she urged. “I have not met a member who has completed the March that’s had a negative experience.”

CAF members can sign up as military individuals under the De 4Daagse official site and can apply to stay at Kamp Heumensoord.

The Nijmegen Marches

The Nijmegen Marches, also known as the 4D Marches, boast a rich history spanning over 110 years. Originally a military event, it now attracts both civilians and military personnel. Canada has been a regular participant since 1952, typically joining under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Nijmegen’. The 106th Nijmegen March, July 16-19, drew over 45,000 participants, with 41,552 marchers completed the challenge.

Despite Canada not sending an official contingent, 11 CAF members signed up as military individuals, with an additional four members participating under NATO teams. Members participate in the march while on annual leave and approved to represent Canada as military individuals.