Semi-Marathon de Dour (21KM.be)

A race 🏃‍♀️, a half marathon and a sunset 🌅 at the heart 💓 of the Wallonie, fancy a go? It’s in Dour, in the most Francophone region of the Belgium 🇧🇪, that you’ll have the chance to experience this unique experience among passionate runners… and animals! Yes, you’ll also be able to run a 11.5 km, a 6.1 km and finally THE Semi-Marathon of Dour AKA 21KM.be AKA Semi-Marathon des Hauts-Pays. Phew… that’s a lot of names! 😅 But no matter, the point remains: you must come to this race, and we’ll explain why! 👇

It’s in April 🪡, under the mild spring temperatures 🌸, that the fourth edition ✌️ of the Semi-Marathon de Dour. On the menu: hilly courses ⛰️ (195 mD+), with spectacular landscapes and a 21 km insemi-night 🌓 that will let you discover a beautiful sunset, like last year. This loop 🔁 in the southern part of the country will let you discover the surroundings of the municipality, bordering France 🐓. You may know this town for its music festival (Dour Festival)… 🎸 At least, you’re warned! The locals have rhythm in their blood! 🎶 There, you shouldn’t feel too far from home, whether it’s landscape, language or temperature 😌. But remember: these are Belgians on the other side of you! So, even if they’re extremely friendly (to the point of having a team of professional physiotherapists doing all the massages you want 💆‍♀️), don’t hesitate to root for your team! 🇫🇷

We’re joking, of course! 😉 Welcome and friendliness are the watchwords of this feel-good competition feel good 👍. In the semi of Dour, you’ll be with enthusiasts who have gone to great lengths to fit in as best as possible the participants. Proof: they’ve also included a 11.5 km and a 6.1 km in this competition 👐. So, even complete beginners can participate! But that’s not all, because a canicross 🐶 will let you enjoy this warm atmosphere 🔥 and discover the beauty of the region 🥰 with your faithful companion. Also, the handisport athletes can participate, as the half marathon course is designed to accommodate joëlette chairs ♿. Moreover, the race is part of a challenge 😮 consisting of 5 Belgian marathons that will include the one in Saint-Ghislain 🐻,Binche,JurbiseBraine Le Comte 👑. In the meantime, you can train by starting with this semi, advertised as the toughest of the challenge, mainly due to its various climbs 📈 (relances) that will demand good technique to handle the 195 mD+, the route being surprisingly steep, especially when you know how flat the Belgique is a flat country! 📏

However, it seems the sceneries to discover at the 21KM.be are among the most sumptuous. For your information, you’ll stroll through the surroundings of the town full of picturesque streets and in Élouges, Wihéries, Audregnies, Montignies-sur-Roc and Onnezies. But you probably suspect there’ll also be plenty of nature! You’ll run through fields 🌾 mills 🌬️ and forests 🌳 of Hauts Pays and Quievrain. You’ll also see Honnelles between woodlands 🪵, trails and roads. If you’re not a geography buff, you’ll be pleased to know that the Parc naturel des Hauts-Pays is a remarkable natural site with rich fauna and flora 💫. In total, 11.5% of its territory (i.e. 1 840 hectares) is listed Natura 2000 🌿. Not bad! 👏

We hope you’re convinced, because we are, onDour ! 🫶