The 7th edition of the AG Belgian Coast Walk is expecting a record 15,000 participants this coming Saturday. Participants can choose from walks of varying distances, all of which finish on the seafront promenade in the seaside resort of De Panne (West Flanders).
Last year, 11,000 participants appeared at the start. This year, the event is completely sold out with 15,000 participants registered. The last ticket was sold three weeks before the start. According to the organisers, more than half of the walkers are under 45. “With this record-breaking edition, the Belgian Coast Walk has become the most popular walking event in the country,” Greg Broekmans of Golazo proudly says.
"The event is only getting more popular. It could even have been bigger, because if we were to keep registrations open, we estimate we would have around 25,000 participants. However, we are deliberately not doing that; we want it to be comfortable for everyone, which is why we are applying this limit."
"What makes this event unique is the combination of the appeal of the Belgian coast and the fact that you can choose from a range of distances: 10, 25, 42, 60 or 80 kilometres. The 80-kilometre route covers the entire Belgian coast, but you can also walk just part of it. That variety is what makes it so popular; the 42-kilometre route, for example, was fully booked more than five months in advance."
"The growth is mainly in the long distances. And more and more women are taking part in these longer challenges too. Last year we still had places available for the 60 and 80 kilometres, but those are now completely full. This year we have 3,000 participants for the 80 kilometres and nearly 3,000 for the 60 kilometres. Walking the entire coastline has really become a ‘bucket list item’ for many people, and that’s proving hugely popular.”