A quirky and long-standing walking challenge, initially described as “pointless” by its own organizers, has experienced an unexpected surge in popularity this year. The challenge, known as the “March March March,” involves walking a 30-mile (48 km) route from the town of March, Cambridgeshire, to the city of Cambridge during the month of March. Despite its humble and unassuming origins, the event has become an annual tradition that attracts more participants every year.
The march was first conceived in 1979 by a Cambridge University maths student, who thought it would be fun to hike from March to Cambridge. The event has since been held almost every year, with the number of participants growing over time. Lead organizer Colin Bell, who has been involved since 1990, was surprised by the sheer volume of interest this year. “For some reason, we’ve gone viral this year,” said Bell. “Last year, we had 16 walkers, and this year we had 44. I had to turn people away.”
This year’s turnout marks the highest number of participants in the event’s history. While Bell is unsure why this year has drawn so much attention, he speculates that the event may have gained traction at the University of Cambridge, where 15 students joined the march. “It looks like it’s gotten into the university,” Bell mused. “It’s a bit of a mystery why it’s gotten so popular, but it’s a pleasant one.”
The challenge itself is straightforward but demands commitment. Participants gather in Cambridge early on a Saturday morning, then take a train to March before setting off on foot along the old main road, passing by the disused railway, the River Ouse, and eventually returning to Cambridge. The walk can take around 12 hours to complete, and participants traditionally stop to send postcards to the university’s maths department along the way.
The event’s charm lies in its simplicity and its sense of community. Bell, affectionately known as the “Custos Martis,” pointed out that there is no specific reason for the walk other than the fact that it exists. “It’s pointless, but it’s a nice walking challenge,” he said. “Sometimes you just want to do something because it’s there. We climb Everest because it’s there, we go to March because it’s there.”
Despite some unpredictable weather conditions that have disrupted past events, such as the gale-force winds in 2002 that caused walkers to abandon their trek, the March March March has remained resilient. Between 2012 and 2017, the walk was paused due to dwindling participation, but it has since regained momentum, attracting a diverse mix of participants, including both seasoned veterans and newcomers like 10-year-old Hugh, who became the youngest person to complete the walk in 2022.
The event’s rise in popularity is a testament to the growing appeal of community-driven activities that focus on simplicity and shared experiences. While it may be called “pointless” by its organizers, the March March March continues to unite people for a cause that is much greater than the destination—it’s about the journey, the camaraderie, and the joy of doing something just because it’s there.