Medals of the Nijmegen Vierdaagse.
From 1909 to the present day.
Official Anniversary and other Commemorative Awards.
In addition to medals, the (K)NBVLO have over the years presented walkers with other items that commemorate specific events and anniversaries.
Those that are medallions and badges are illustated below.
Other commemorative gifts have also been made, ranging from playing cards to a song book.
1956, Fortieth March.
A bronze medallion, diameter 35mm. Designed by H. Wetselaar and made by Koninklijke Begeer.
Given to all the 11,059 walkers who completed the March that year. It came in a small white card box bearing the Begeer name and crest on the lid.
The 40th Vierdaagse was also marked by placing thousands of small lights across Nijmegen city centre, and a special film about the Vierdaagse was made entitled "4x40".
1966, Fiftieth March.
A small bronze ’50’ pin to be attached to the ribbon. It has a width of 7mm.
Given to the 14,084 walkers who completed the March that year.
All those who registered for the walk also received a copy of the book 'Op Gouden Voet' ('On Golden Foot').
1981, Sixty Fifth March.
Key ring. Made by W. van Veluw.
Given as a souvenir to walkers that year . Nearly19,000 were distributed.
1991, Seventy Fifth March.
A small bronze ’75’ pin to be attached to the ribbon. It has a width of 8 mm.
Given to all those who completed the March this year, including those qualifying for the Orderlies’ Medal (Verzorgingsmedaille). Including orderlies, the pin was distributed to nearly 36,000 participants.
All those who registered for the walk also received a copy of the book “De Wereld Wandelt” or "The World Walks".
1996, Eightieth March.
A white metal bade, bearing the crossed flags of the KNBLO (left) and the City of Nijmegen (right). It is 37mm wide with a hight of 28mm. It was made by W. van Veluw.
Given to all those who completed the March in this year, about 32,000 being awarded
2006, Ninetieth March Souvenir. (Herinneringsspeld).
A gold Coloured Badge with a diameter of 20 mm at its widest point. Made by W. van Veluw.
In 2006, due to exceptionally hot conditions in which two walkers died, the March was cancelled after the first day. Due to this early abandonment, no medals were awarded for the year. The Vierdaagse Board therefore authorised a special souvenir for the 43,141 walkers who started on Tuesday, including the 1,021 who dropped out during the day.
The badges were posted to all participants in December 2006.
The souvenir badge was designed by goldsmith Wilma Coehoorn from Nijmegen, combining elements that played an important part in that year’s Vierdaagse. The background symbolises the sun that made the March so hot, the frame representing both sweat experienced on the March and the tears shed after the cancellation of final three days. The separate and combined elements are shown below:
This badge is sometimes seen pinned on the ribbon of the cross. The KNBLO gave no guidance on wearing the badge, as those walking for the first time would not be in possession of the cross.
All those who registered for the walk on Monday also received a free black rucksack by walk sponsors New Balance.
Other official Anniversary and Commemorative Items.
A number of other anniversary items have been approved by the (K)NBVLO that could be purchased, rather than presented to walkers.
These include medallions commemorating the 25th, 50th and 60th Vierdaagsen, made for the 1935, 1966 and 1976 marches respectively. These three medalions were made by Koniglijke Begeer and came in a white card box, bearing the manufacturer's name and crest on the lid.
1935, Twenty Fifth March.
Made of silvered white metal, with a diameter of 50 mm.
1966, Fiftieth March.
1976, Sixtieth March.
Made of bronze coloured metal, with a diameter of 60 mm.
Made of bronze coloured metal, with a diameter of 60 mm.
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