Last Sunday I ran in the 20 km of Brussels - the largest event of its kind in Belgium. Over 25,000 runners took part, following a route around the leafy southern parts of the city. It was my second time participating - after several years of watching and cheering on my wife (and once my son) I decided that I too wanted one of those nice shiny medals (and I got one - see the picture!).
At this point I must admit that I didn't win. I didn't even get close to glory. In fact, at 2 hours 25 minutes my time was quite poor, but at least I finished (and without a pulled muscle, unlike in 2007). I came somewhere over 19,000th, which means that at least some people were less fit than me. But it gives me some room for improvement next year.
The race is great fun, and the experience of being part of the human tidal wave sweeping through Brussels is brilliant. Much of the southern part of the city is closed to traffic, and a large organisation of stewards, first-aiders and water-stations is set up. Congratulations to the organisers, and especially to the runners, young and old, fit and fat, from here and far afield. See you all again next year!
At this point I must admit that I didn't win. I didn't even get close to glory. In fact, at 2 hours 25 minutes my time was quite poor, but at least I finished (and without a pulled muscle, unlike in 2007). I came somewhere over 19,000th, which means that at least some people were less fit than me. But it gives me some room for improvement next year.
The race is great fun, and the experience of being part of the human tidal wave sweeping through Brussels is brilliant. Much of the southern part of the city is closed to traffic, and a large organisation of stewards, first-aiders and water-stations is set up. Congratulations to the organisers, and especially to the runners, young and old, fit and fat, from here and far afield. See you all again next year!
