Ultra runner Karel Sabbe has completed the Hexatrek hiking trail in France in record time, slashing the previous fastest known time (FKT) by almost 9 days.
The Hexatrek is a 3,034 kilometre trail from the Vosges in the Northeast to the Pyrenees in the Southwest and crosses all sorts of diverse terrain. Perfect for a Belgian athlete to add to his collection of FKTs. Indeed, Karel Sabbe seems unstoppable. Counting the Hexatrek, he has five fastest known times to his name. The others are the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail, both in the United States, Te Araroa in New Zealand, and the Via Alpina Red Trail across the Alps. Karel Sabbe is a force to be reckoned with.
Sabbe was supported in his attempt by a crew made up of family and friends. Before his endeavour, he stated that such a challenge as the Hexatrek “is an adventure in which preparation, trust and teamwork are at least as important as physical condition.” He ran 16 hours per day on average, facing scorching heat and even coming down with an illness that floored him for two days that his team suspects had to do with contaminated drinking water.
A heroic journey with many ups and downs that he got to share with those closest to him. They are proud of him, and so are his fellow Belgians.
