Nearly 40,000 people run 20 km of Brussels

Running enthusiasts of all generations showed up at the Cinquantenaire park for the epic race through the capital, coming by the Royal park, Avenue Louise, the Bois de la Cambre, the Woluwe park and a gruelling stretch on Avenue de Tervuren to end up back where they started.

This edition was historical for one person in particular: 32-year-old Amaury Paquet accomplished something that hasn’t been done since the race’s inception on 8 June 1980: he became the first man to win three editions in a row, clocking in at one hour and 15 seconds. He was more than one minute faster than his friend Nicolas Schyns, who took second place.

Let’s also congratulate Hanna Vandenbussche, the fastest woman at one hour, 10 minutes and 44 seconds.

Running has been booming as a sport lately, with several high-profile races being arranged all over Belgium. Have you ever participated in a running race in Belgium? Which was your favourite one? Let us know!