Bornem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The 56th Dodentocht in Bornem saw 12,643 participants complete a 100 km walk in 24 hours. Early finishers included Hingene’s Peter Bollen and Puurs’ Stefan Dusaert, with 246 quitting at Kalfort.
As GVA News reported, the 56th Dodentocht started today, Aug 9, 2025, in Bornem, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, with 12,643 participants. They are attempting to complete a 100-kilometre walk in 24 hours. Many walkers came from different places to join. 246 people quit at Kalfort. But, almost 12,000 walkers kept going. Most walkers were seen between Buggenhout and Opwijk this morning.
Who were the early finishers in the 56th Dodentocht 100km?
Just before 7 a.m., on Aug 9, 2025, the 1st finishers of the Dodentocht reached the end of the 100-kilometre route. Around 50 runners completed the walk. Some of the early finishers were local athletes. Peter Bollen from Hingene was one of them, who completed the full distance.
An early finisher of the Dodentocht said the first part of the 100-kilometre event was tough. He needed time to adjust his pace and find his rhythm. Support from other runners and cheering crowds helped him keep going. He finished together with his brother-in-law. At first, he was around 50th place but slowed to join others for the final stretch. He added that good pacing made the difference.
Stefan Dusaert from Puurs said the 100-kilometre Dodentocht was tough. He joked that people forget the pain from the last time they joined the event. This year, his daughter told him to try to finish with the first group, which he had never done before.
He said it was hard but also enjoyable. While he celebrated his result, many other runners and walkers were still on the route. They have until 9:30 p.m. tonight to finish and receive the Dodentocht medal and diploma.
What is the Dodentocht, and how did it become a major endurance event in Belgium?
The Dodentocht, which translates to “Death March,” is an annual endurance event held in Bornem, Belgium, since 1970. It challenges participants to cover 100 kilometres within 24 hours, attracting thousands of walkers and runners from around the world.
Officials mentioned that over the years, the Dodentocht has grown into one of Belgium’s most iconic sporting traditions, combining personal endurance and community spirit for those who reach the finish line.
