6 very original Belgian running races
On you mark, get set…
You, like most runners in Brussels, have ran Brussels’ annual 20km race in May once, or even multiple times.
Brussels Half-Marathon in October? Been there, done that.
Running the same long-distance races year in year out can not only get dull, but prevents you from exploring your running legs’ full capacity with varied race routes.
To spice up your running itinerary and have - dare we say it - fun while doing it, try these 5 fun, original and Bulletin-approved Belgian running races.
1. Color Run (Brussels)
The Color Run, or the “Happiest 5K on the Planet”, is a 5k run where thousands of runners – all starting in a white T-shirt – get spattered in showers of paint (actually, its skin-safe color powder) which colordip them from head to toe. If after running in 5 kilometres of color you don’t feel tie-dyed enough, fun continues after the finish at the "Color Festival", where more color powder is thrown in the air, making every runner look like a walking rainbow.
Belgium’s second Color Run will take place in on 7 September in Brussels at Tour & Taxi. A maximum of 15.000 Color Runners can take part, so buy your white t-shirt and sign up already!
2. Night Run (Antwerp)
There is something so exciting, frightening and cool about running in the pitch black. That’s actually what Antwerp’s Energizer Night Run proposes: as night falls in Antwerp, runners emerge, are equipped with headlamps and set off into the night.
Antwerp’s night run, in its 4th edition this September 19th, is as much a 9-kilometre light parade party as a race (did we mention there’s a DJ-set after the finish?). Don’t miss out on this night running festival: online registration is already open and encouraged (only 7,000 runners allowed).
3. Urban Trail Runs (Brugge & Antwerp)
Discover the scenic cities of Belgium while racing in their narrow streets and through their historical buildings. Taking place in major cities like Bruges and Antwerp, these urban trail runs start off with a healthy breakfast followed by a 10-kilometre run through parts of the city you’ve never seen before.
Urban runs take place throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall.
4. Battle with Nature Race Series (Durbuy & East-Flanders)
Both Battle of the Ardennes in Durbuy and Race against Nature in East-Flanders give you 10-kilometre to prove that you can handle whatever nature – and its many wet, muddy, cold and climbing obstacles – throws at you. Participants who finish these intense obstacle course races get a “Survivor Medal” at the finish.
The Battle of the Ardennes takes place at the end of June, while Race against Nature will be held on September 21st. Sign up now!
5. Santa Run (Antwerp)
The name says it all: just days before his big night in a sleigh, runners honour St. Nick by dressing up as Santa and going on a 5-kilometre run throughout the city of Antwerp. Expect Christmas treees, music, Genever shots (to warm you up) and some 6,000 male and female Santa Clauses running through the streets of Antwerp (and then partying the night away afterwards at a Santa Party.
Stay tuned for the dates of Antwerp’s 8th Santa Run this December 2014.
6. Tour of Flanders – Running edition (Flemish Ardennes)
You’ve probably heard of Belgium’s famous Tour of Flanders cycling race? Well, what if you were to run it? Okay, while it does not cover as many kilometres, the Loop Van Vlaanderen takes runners on 10, 25 and 50-kilometre races through the Flemish Ardennes and treats them as if they were cyclists; in other words, the race includes many of the Tour of Flanders’ legendary hill climbs (for better or for worse).
The Tour of Flanders run is a fun race and a great way to see the Flemish countryside. Don’t miss its next edition in May 2015.
