The 39,755 people still taking part in the Nijgmegen Vierdaagse – the four day march – have started on their last day’s walk.

Nearly 1,000 people have dropped out each day so far and the event this year has been described as a ‘real challenge’ because of the hot, sunny weather.

Walkers follow 50, 40 and 30 kilometre routes to complete the march. The final stretch is in central Nijmegen, where the St Annastraat is temporarily renamed Via Gladiola because of the flowers carried by well-wishers who turn out en masse to welcome the participants.

The first Vierdaagse was held in 1909 as a way of keeping the army fit after the introduction of motor vehicles.

There are all sorts of variants on the Vierdaagse theme, such as the Avondvierdaagse, which involves walking in the evening and is mainly done by primary school children.