Organisers and Red Cross ready as 13,000 set off for 56th Dodentocht
The 56th edition of the Dodentocht (Death March) begins Friday evening in Bornem, where around 13,000 walkers will attempt to complete the 100-kilometre trek within 24 hours. What began in 1970 with just 65 participants has grown into one of Belgium’s most iconic endurance events, drawing walkers from around the world who see it as a personal challenge to complete at least once in their lifetime.
As the centre of Bornem fills up with walkers and their supporters, the final walking badges are being collected, and last-minute preparations are underway. The event kicks off at 21:00 and takes participants through Antwerp and Flemish Brabant before returning to Bornem. Speed is not the goal: no one is allowed to finish before 7:00 on Saturday.
The organisers are fully prepared, says one of the organisers, Ilse Robyn. “Everyone is ready, the checkpoints are ready and are gradually being manned, and the sweeper vehicles are also ready to depart,” she says. “Our organisation has around 1,200 volunteers, plus signallers and Red Cross volunteers, so we can count on 2,000 to 2,500 volunteers in the coming days. I’m expecting a fantastic event; the weather is good, so we’re hoping for 75 per cent of the participants.”
© BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS
Sweeping demographic
Participants come from 51 different countries this year. The youngest walker will turn 16 later in 2025, while the oldest, aged 88, is taking part for the second time. According to Robyn, the enduring appeal of the Dodentocht lies in its sense of community. “Our walkers are truly pampered by the volunteers; that’s what makes the Dodentocht so unique,” she says. “The route was slightly modified this year, some bottlenecks were removed and security was improved.”
Support for walkers
Red Cross Flanders is also on hand to provide support throughout the event. “The Flanders Red Cross has prepared well and for a long time; we’re ready,” says coordinator Gino Ibie. “Our volunteers, 300 in total, are spread across seven aid stations along the entire route. The most common care concerns are blisters, knee or leg injuries and fatigue. The weather looks good, but we do advise people to stay hydrated and get enough rest. And if they’re struggling, don’t hesitate to contact us.”
To help relieve pressure on the local hospital, the Red Cross has set up camp beds in the church in Bornem. Their volunteers will be on duty throughout the 24 hours of the event. Both Ibie and Robyn agree that most walkers are well prepared. “They’re even going to practise walking at night, when it’s dark,” says Robyn. “There are definitely risks associated with walking a Dodentocht; it’s very demanding on the body. We advise people to listen to their bodies and talk to us if they’re struggling,” concludes Ibie.
This year’s edition is expected to be dry, with mild night-time temperatures and warm weather forecast for Saturday afternoon, meaning the final stretch could prove especially challenging. Nonetheless, conditions are favourable overall, and organisers are optimistic that the majority of walkers will reach the finish line.
#FlandersNewsService |Dodentocht 2018 © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
Related news
