Kennedy-Mars (80km) Swentibold-Mars (40km) Mini-Mars (10km)

Kennedy-Mars

The Kennedy-Mars is the ultimate challenge for long-distance walkers. This 80-kilometer trek is all about perseverance, togetherness, and tradition.

Inschrijven

61st edition

80 kilometers

Within 20 hours

Why join in?

An achievement for life

The Kennedy-Mars is more than just walking 80 kilometers. It’s about having doubts and pushing through anyway. It’s about feeling pain but proving to be stronger than you thought. In the silence of nature and the applause at the finish line, you discover what perseverance really means.

Along the way, you share moments with fellow walkers, receive support from strangers on the sidelines, and grow step by step toward that one moment. The emotion at the finish—laughter, tears, relief, pride—is proof that you have achieved something extraordinary.

Those who walk the Kennedy-Mars don’t just take home a pin or a medal, but a story that stays with you forever.

Route

From start to finish

The full Kennedy-Mars route is determined and signposted in advance. Along the way, you’ll pass fixed checkpoints and facilities to ensure a safe and well-organized trek.

Download route as KML/GPX/TCX 2026

View on the map 2026

Route description 2026

Information

Everything you need to know

Safety & health

Food and drink

Try to eat and drink a little every half hour, but always in small amounts. Do not drink alcohol or eat foods that you don’t normally consume. Ice and cold drinks are not recommended. A cup of soup along the way is fine, or a warm snack. Fruit is always good, also for quenching thirst. Special “power food” beforehand is not necessary. Just continuing to eat well is enough.

Preparation & tips

Hiking gear

What do you bring with you during the march? Here you will find practical information about clothing, shoes, and other hiking gear that will come in handy along the way.

Preparation & tips

Foot care

Good foot care is essential during a long hike. Here you will find tips and information to prevent blisters and keep your feet in good condition.

Day of the march

Start Location & Times

Here you can find all the information about the start/finish location and the start times.

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Competition class

Competitive participation

Since 1978, we have also organized a competitive class. This makes the Kennedy-Mars Sittard unique in the Netherlands: no other Kennedy-Mars offers this variant!

If you can finish the Kennedy-Mars within 12 hours and are 19 years old on January 1st of the event year, you can enter the exciting competitive class. The competitive class is organized according to the regulations of the Atletiekunie (Dutch Athletics Association). Competitive walkers are monitored by Atletiekunie judges. Technical matters for the competitive class are handled by the Unitas Athletics Club.

Are you participating in the competition class? Then you will receive more extensive care along the way than the recreational walkers. A special memento is available for the first three men and the first three women to cross the finish line in the competition class. There are no prizes.

Registration for the competition class is only possible via the online pre-registration on our website.

KMS competition class regulations

Memento

A unique memento

When you have completed one of the marches according to the rules, you will receive a memento. The memento depends on the march and the number of times you have completed it.

More information