When to Arrive?
To participate in 4daagse, you must arrive at least one day earlier to complete sign-in. Sunday is ideal for exploring and avoiding Monday’s crowds plus there are military events such as flag parade and memorial. If Sunday is not possible, aim to arrive early Monday as you might spend your afternoon in queue.
What is sign-in?
Sign-in provides your welcome pack with essentials like your ID band and Day 1 checkpoint card as well some small goodies from sponsors. Only those who sign-in on Sunday or Monday can participate in 4daagse.
What is the ID Band and Checkpoint Card?
You will need to wear your ID band all 4 days. It is durable, so no problem to shower with it also. It contains unique barcode which will be scanned every morning at the start line and at the end of the day at the same place as you register. It is your proof you started and finished the event. The checkpoint card is used for spot checks, continue reading to learn more.
How to Prep in the Evening for the Next Day?
- Shower the night before to save time in the morning
- Massage your legs and apply muscle relief cream such as tiger balm
- Add KT tape to spots prone to blistering
- Check the weather forecast for next day
- Lay out all the clothes
- Pack your gear and snacks, refill water bottles
- Charge all electronic devices
What Time do I start?
Starting times vary by distance. Check on the website or in the official App as it is not possible to start earlier.
What do I do at the Start?
Expect a crowded start even if you arrive early. While the atmosphere of the event is very friendly, the start was my least favourite part of 4daagse. There is no line, only space in front of the gate with volunteers, so people are shoving and pushing, eager to start. Your ID band must be scanned by one of the volunteers at the starting gate in order to be recognised as an official participant. The start is very congested not only by walkers but also by drunken students, cheering you on. If you are fast walker, you are likely to be hold up by slower walkers for first few km, although the road is fairly wide.
How is the walking?
After first few kilometers, you can enjoy your walk at your own speed. Take as many breaks as you want and enjoy the event. I prefer not to listen to music as there is several entertainments along the way and I really just want to enjoy the atmosphere. The only exception would be if you walk the 50km as there are some sections which are very quiet and music might be welcomed distraction or make an effort to make new friends with fellow walkers.
Are there restrooms on the route?
There are several “Dixies” aka portable toilets along the way. There might be queues to visit them. In addition some private homes allow walkers use their regular toilet, usually for a small fee. I have also seen toilet trailers, which are nicer and less smelly option, also at small fee. Some people just prefer to go in nature. This is discouraged because of the sheer volume of the participants as you might damage fields of local farmers.
What is a Checkpoint?
Along the route, there will be couple of checkpoints. During your sign-in, you will receive a small card, you must bring this card with you each day. The location of the checkpoints is not known in advance and specific number on the card will be punched, which is not known to participants. This is to prevent cheating. At the end of the day, you will need to go back to same stands where you signed-in. The volunteers will scan your ID band and upon handing over correctly stamped card and they will give you new card for the following day. So you need to make sure that you bring your card with you, don’t loose it, but keep it easily accessible and keep an eye on the checkpoints.
How does it work at the Checkpoint?
There are usually flags that will alert you slightly in advance of upcoming checkpoint. They have several volunteers at the checkpoint that will match your pace and walk with you so do not stop, but if you walk fast, you can slowdown slightly. In order not to spend too much time and create traffic, get your card ready as soon as you spot the flags. You only need to handover the card, they will punch it for you and you can continue, the whole process takes just few seconds, the volunteers are very fast and efficient as they need to process thousands of cards.
What if I Can Not Finish?
In case you are injured, sick or for any other reason, you can just stop. No need to report it anywhere, you can just abort. By not scanning yourself in at the end of the day and providing completed checkpoint card, you are automatically disqualified. This means you will not able to participate the following day or days, even if you recover. There is no service provided for transportation back, so you will need to find your own way.
How do I Recover for Next Day?
The best thing to do straight after finishing is massage or stretching. You can use the pre-paid massage service as described in part 3, or you can find quiet spot and do some stretching. The next priority is hydration and nutrition. Make sure to get electrolytes and some nice healthy carby meal. On days 1-3 I really tried to focus on eating nutritious meals. I would then either still enjoy the atmosphere or go back to my accommodation to follow the rest of my recovery strategies.
These are all the recovery strategies that worked for me:
- Massage
- Stretching or massage gun if you have, or both
- Cold shower for whole body and/or as icy shower for legs as possible
- Foot bath with epsom salts or other relief oils or salts
- Apply tiger balm or other muscle relief cream on calves or sore areas
- Keep your legs elevated
- Healthy and nutritious meals
- Electrolytes
- Resting, reading, meditation, or breathing exercises or any other activity to reduce stress
What do I do at the Finish?
Once you pass the finish line, you must go to the sign-in stand, hand-over your stamped checkpoint card and you will receive new one on days 1-3 and on day 4 you will receive a medal. After this you are free to do as you desire, you can go sit or stand and observe other people finishing, enjoy the music, get drinks and food, get message in case you pre-booked it or just go back to your accommodation for recovery. On last day, celebrate and enjoy the free concerts if your body allows. Congratulations!
Read more about 4daagse:
1 – What to know before registering
2 – How to prepare
3 – Further information about the event
4 – Nutrition, clothing and gear
Official website HERE
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