What percentage drop out, and why?

[billbennettoz]

I'm curious if anyone knows what percentage of people who start from SJPP actually finish in SDC, and what's the main reason people drop out? I assume injury - but I'd be curious if there's any one single factor.

I read somewhere that only 15% finish - but surely that can't be true...

 

[na2than]

Not all who start intend to get to Santiago on the first trip...some do a week at a time over a number of years.But for the support of my son i would have taken a taxi straight from Orrison to Ibiza...i was so done in by the first 2 hours.(2 coffees and a bocadillo changed my mind)
I met a lady who damaged her hip on the first day....others do thier kneess after a week of walking...but none of it really matters....for me and i think others...it is the starting and the intention that matter....when you finish...maybe years and years later is immaterial.

 

[fortview]

I'm sure someone on here will be able to give you accurate statistics
I saw very few people give up, and those that did were injured. Funnily enough, some of the younger walkers had the worst blisters and foot injuries, whether its because they walked too far, or had the wrong footwear I don't know.
One of our dear friends had to give up on the mesetas , he was 72 , but he's planning on returning to finish what he started yay !
But we arrived in Santiago and the vast majority of our camino family made it too !
Buen camino

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I'm curious if anyone knows what percentage of people who start from SJPP actually finish in SDC, and what's the main reason people drop out? I assume injury - but I'd be curious if there's any one single factor. I read somewhere that only 15% finish - but surely that can't be true...

Hola

There is no way of knowing as a register is not kept anywhere and as has been said many people, especially Spaniards, make their pilgrimage over several years using their annual holidays and so on.

John

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I finished a camino in SJPdP, so took the train the reverse direction from SJPdP to Bayonne. There were about a half-dozen pilgrims limping their way onto the train. They did not make it up the mountain to Roncesvalles. It was in June, so a hundred or more probably started. Add later unintentional dropouts, and that might extrapolate to 5 to 10% quit who start in SJPdP. Almost no one quits in the last 100km, and the short camino pilgrims (Astorga onward) are about 35% of the annual total. So it would be reasonable to guess at the low end -- under 5% drop out.

There is nothing scientific or mathematical about this analysis! :wink: