Festive start to the Avond4daagse season in Gulpen, Limburg

From 5 to 8 May, children will head off from the FC Gulpen sports complex to walk through the hilly landscape of the municipality of Gulpen-Wittem, following routes of between 5 and 9 kilometres. This year, Gulpen provides the backdrop for the national kick-off, where mayor Nicole Ramaekers-Rutjens (Gulpen-Wittem), Gijs Janssen (managing director of KWbN) and provincial executive Marc van Caldenberg (Province of Limburg) officially started the event. The organisation is in the hands of walking sports association De Veldlopers.

With its active volunteer community and green, rolling landscape, the municipality is an ideal location for the start of the season. This edition is even more special thanks to the collaboration between insurer a.s.r. and the Royal Dutch Walking Association (KWbN). As in previous years, exercise and togetherness are central, but this year there is extra attention for festive decoration, including a DJ, a mascot and cheerful embellishments.

Since 2025, a.s.r. has been the main sponsor of the Avond4daagse and, together with KWbN, is committed to encouraging even more children and parents to take up walking. Each year, around 1.5 million people in total are involved in the Avond4daagse. Research by Ipsos I&O, commissioned by a.s.r., shows that many parents see the Avond4daagse as an accessible way to walk together with their children. For example, 75% of parents with children aged 4 to 12 who have in the past taken part in the Avond4daagse say that walking with children is fun and achievable. In addition, 68% of this group say that they have walked more often with their children since taking part.

‘When children discover at a young age how enjoyable walking is, it more quickly becomes a habit that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. The Avond4daagse allows them to experience this in an accessible way,’ says Hella de Weger, brand & marketing communications director at a.s.r. ‘Together with local organisations and KWbN, we are turning the Avond4daagse into an extra special celebration at 50 locations, making walking even more enjoyable and easier for children and parents. And with a festive loan kit, more than 100 local organisers across the country can also go the extra mile themselves.’

The kick-off in Gulpen fits within the ambition to further grow the Avond4daagse. ‘Walking is becoming increasingly popular, and the Avond4daagse is growing along with it,’ says Gijs Janssen, managing director of KWbN. ‘Each year, more children and families take part, at an increasing number of locations across the country. This is an important development, because the Avond4daagse allows children to experience in a playful way how enjoyable and healthy walking is. And that enjoyment stays with them for life.’

Janssen adds: ‘Limburg has a strong walking culture, but there is still plenty of room to grow. With the kick-off in Gulpen, we want to show what is possible and inspire potential organisers and volunteers to organise an Avond4daagse locally as well. KWbN is happy to support them with advice and assistance. In this way, we reach more and more children and parents who discover just how enjoyable, easy and healthy walking is.’