Lommel (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): The Boslandtrail returned with 2,600 participants from 14 countries featuring challenging 50 and 100-kilometer routes. The event included a unique path through Lommel Sahara, testing endurance and teamwork.
The Boslandtrail is back this year after taking a break last year. It started last night on 23rd August with people walking 100 kilometers. This morning on 24th August runners began their 100-kilometer race along with those running and walking 50 kilometers. About 2,600 participants from 14 different countries joined this year’s event showing how popular it is. Everyone started at De Soeverein in Lommel. It has been said that a special part of this year’s trail was the unique route through the House of Nature at the Lommel Sahara which made the experience even better. The Boslandtrail is known for its tough paths through the beautiful scenery of Boslandtrail allowing participants to challenge themselves while enjoying the views. After missing the event last year everyone was excited for this year’s edition which gave all participants a great experience.
What challenges do participants face in the Boslandtrail in Lommel?
Besides starting through the House of Nature the Boslandtrail has a tough route that focuses on natural ground. Participants walk on as many unpaved paths as they can making the trail feel rough and adventurous. The route has a hard part where participants go through a sandy area in the Lommel Sahara which makes the trail tougher. The last part of the route has a steep sand hill that participants need to climb just before finishing. This challenging climb takes a lot of effort and tests their stamina and determination as they get close to the end of their journey.
The first participants have started finishing the race,with 35-year-old Michiel Verschuren from Lommel being the first to cross the line. He shared that the weather wasn’t great and that he walked all night with wet shoes not expecting to come in first but once he realized he might he kept pushing forward. About fifteen minutes later 29-year-old Jens Fossaert from Balen finished as well. He said that while he started strong he felt completely drained around the 70-kilometer mark and from then on it was all about perseverance. During the last 10 kilometers he received support from two colleagues who rode alongside him on bikes.
Hanne Schroven and brothers Joppe and Merlin Leers walked together the whole way. They wanted to join the Dodentocht but found it was full so they looked for another challenge. They laughed and said the BoslandTrail is much more fun to walk than the paved trails like Dodentocht or Hagelandse 101. The night was tough and they thought about giving up a few times but they helped each other keep going. The organizers hope everyone finishes before the weather gets worse and mentioned they have a plan with the police to help anyone who might need to be evacuated.
