Panorama
First finishers of the Dodentocht reach the line, hundreds drop out
The 57th edition of the Dodentocht in Bornem has begun, with the first participants crossing the finish line around seven o'clock and hundreds dropping out along the way.
On Friday at 9 PM, the starting shot was fired for the 57th edition of the Dodentocht in Bornem. Depending on the source, either 12,887 or 13,000 participants began the nighttime 100-kilometer trek through Klein-Brabant.
The extreme heat poses a challenge for the participants, but a comprehensive heat plan and the presence of thousands of supporters along the route create a positive atmosphere.
Around seven o'clock on Saturday morning, the first participants crossed the finish line, mainly consisting of ultrarunners. Reactions from the organization and supporters were positive.
According to VRT NWS, about 800 participants had dropped out by that time. The spokesperson for the organization, Ilse Robyn, reported that the night went by without any significant incidents.
The finish line opened for the first arriving runners who were already waiting. The atmosphere in Bornem was described as excellent from various corners, despite the high temperatures.
The large group of runners still on the course remains hopeful of reaching their goal before the end of the 100-kilometer race.