Strong dedication, high humidity, and cold beer: Brussels 20K had it all!

The Brussels 20K is a stunning and annually recurring event attracting runners worldwide. For this 46th edition, more than 50 000 runners signed up for the race. Its popularity has reached a level that you don’t manage to buy a ticket if you are not at your computer right at the time when the sales window open.

CACE was as always well represented and this year with one of the highest turnouts so far. Almost 30 CACE members were running through the streets of Brussel and made it to the finish line in a good pace. Some members in the CACE colours and others in the shirts of the “Running for Europe Team”, this year having the message of “Run for Democracy, Protect What Matters!”.

While for some CACE members (including the writer), it was the first time running the Brussels 20K, it was a well-known race for others who did their best to beat their times from previous years. If you needed any advice on how to approach the race, you could talk to the club president, Niall, who has only missed one edition of the Brussels 20K in his more than 30 years in Brussels.

As Brussels had been unseasonable warm before the Brussels 20K, it was a bit too exciting what the weather conditions were on the race day. Fortunately, the temperature fell, but it was still above 20 degrees in the morning, and the high humidity made it feel even warmer. So, everyone knew it would take an extra effort to finish the race this year.

CACE members are used to various weather conditions, and with strong dedication, massive support from spectators and lots of water supplies on the course, all teammates made it to the finish line. Not surprisingly, the mood was therefore at an all-time high in the finish area!

For the two Finnish CACE members, Maaria and Ville, the heat was in sharp contrast to the Arctic races of their home country, so they could certainly celebrate a Finnish finish.

Shortly after the humid race, and regaining hydration, CACE members met for well-deserved cold beers at Place Jourdan. A toast was given to all the CACE members, who joined the race, and a special one to the five members who, despite the tough weather conditions, finished the race in less than 1:30. Stefan even managed to cross the finish line in 1:13.

While some were leaving during the afternoon, others were joining later, keeping the CACE celebrations going until the early evening.

We are looking forward to next year’s edition of the Brussels 20K, and we hope you will join us for this amazing race!

Bertil