The Nijmegen Four Day Marches in the east of the Netherlands got off to an early start on Tuesday. With tropical temperatures forecast for later in the day, the first walkers on the 50 kilometre route set off at three in the morning. A little later, participants taking the 30 or 40 kilometres route started their walk. They were all expected to finished by late morning or in the course of the afternoon, before the temperature reaches its highest point.
The organisers of the annual marches have installed extra water tapping points along the route, and people living along the route have been asked to hand water to the walkers whenever they can.
The measures are a response to events at the 2006 Four Day Marches, which were held in similar temperatures. Then two people died as a result of the heat, and no fewer than 300 fainted.
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
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