Trail running, an activity that combines running and discovering nature, is all the rage at the moment. Events are springing up all over the country. Are you looking for your next sporting challenge but not sure where to turn for your first experience? Don't panic! We've put together a list of 5 trails that are ideal for beginners, and ideal for an introduction to the sport!
But be careful! Once you've had a taste, it's hard not to! You've been warned...🤪
1. Trail des Jonquilles (Province of Hainaut)
Taking place in the magnificent Hainaut region, the Trail des Jonquilles offers you the chance to set off on a 16-kilometre course (150 metres ascent). To help you keep up with the pace, there will be a food and liquid refreshment station at the 9th kilometre and a 'festive' refreshment station 3.5 kilometres from the finish. Curious to find out what's behind this mysterious refreshment area? Sign up for the next edition , which will take place on 17 March 2024!
2. Forêt de Soignes Marathon (Brussels-Capital Region)
For runners looking for a challenge close to the capital, the Marathon de la Forêt de Soignes also offers several other distances, accessible to those wishing to try trail running. There's a 10-kilometre course (120 metres ascent) and, for the more motivated, a 17-kilometre route (205 metres ascent). Fancy enjoying a trail run and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours? Then go ahead and sign up for this year's event , to be held on 14 April 2024!
3. Ohm Trail (Province of Liège)
Dubbed "the toughest race in Belgium" by its organisers, the Ohm Trail doesn't have to scare you off! As well as its legendary distances of 24, 35, 55 and 80 kilometres, the organisers are also offering an 11-kilometre 'Start to Trail' course (390 metres ascent). This is ideal for first-time trail runners. With its panoramic views and a few technical sections, this beginner-friendly version has nothing to envy its big brothers! Fancy an adventure? Registration for the next edition on 2 June 2024 is already open!
4. Festival Trail Semois (Province of Luxembourg)
The Festival Trail Semois is an opportunity to combine business with pleasure by running for a good cause. All profits go to the benefit of two associations. These associations are La Ligue Belge de la Sclérose en Plaques and Accueil Familial Luxembourg. With a course of 9 kilometres (300 metres ascent), this trail offers an accessible challenge for novices to the discipline. And after the effort, there's plenty of time for comfort with an after-trail worthy of the name: barbecue, concerts and DJ. In short, everything you need to recover from your emotions after the race! The next edition is scheduled for 6 July 2024, so there's plenty of time for you to do a bit of training in the meantime!
5. Trail des Lumeçons (Province of Namur)
Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, the Trail des Lumeçons is a must in its region. It's a 9-kilometre course (370 metres ascent) with a twist: the trail is run at night! To add to the mystery, the route is being kept secret until the big day. Intrigued? Grab your headlamp and sign up for the next edition , to be held on 25 October 2024!
These different events offer beginners the chance to discover the beauty of our country's landscapes while learning about trail running in safe, supervised conditions. Of course, this list is not exhaustive - there are dozens of other events (the BeTrail website offers a calendar of trail running events in Belgium). But these 5 trails promise a memorable first experience!
Would you like to discover trail running and learn the basics before signing up for one of these events? At DiscoveRent , we're offering a discovery course in the Vosges . This is the perfect opportunity for beginners to take their first steps, accompanied by François-Xavier, our experienced guide. He'll teach you how to make the most of your poles on ascents and descents, and how to manage your food supplies. And don't forget how to position your feet correctly on rocky terrain.
Convinced? All you have to do now is put on your trainers and set off to explore our land!
