Antwerp Student Groups Compete in 12-Hour, 400m Relay Race

Antwerp (Eurotoday) – The 12-hour run is set to take place in Antwerp this Wednesday, where student associations will compete to complete as many 400-meter laps as possible. The winner of this endurance race is the team that logs the highest number of laps within the 12-hour timeframe—a recent expansion from the original 10-hour format.

According to a report by VRT, Antwerp’s annual student relay race will see various student groups vying against each other in a display of athleticism and camaraderie. While the event initially ran for 10 hours, organizers have now extended it to 12 hours, aligning the format with similar events in Leuven and Ghent. Students like Robbe from the Kinesia association are preparing through strategies such as wearing caps and sweatbands and setting up massage tables for post-run recovery. Attendees can also enjoy side activities including a day disco, refreshments, and a ride on a Ferris wheel.

This move puts Antwerp on par with other major Belgian student cities hosting similar events.

“Both Leuven and Ghent have longer student runs. We wanted to do that too,”

explains organizer Alexander Bostyn.

“For the people who don’t walk, there’s also plenty of entertainment,”

“There’s a day disco, there’s drinks, there’s even a Ferris wheel.”

Runners are making preparations for what is expected to be a hot day.

“We had caps and sweatbands made,”

notes Robbe from the Kinesia group.

“We advise our runners to cool down in the tent after their effort. We also have sports drinks and snacks. We even have a massage table with us, so that we can loosen the muscles of the people who are going to run. Let it be clear, we want to win,”

he adds.

History of Student Runs in Belgian University Cities

University cities in Belgium, including Antwerp, Leuven, and Ghent, have a longstanding tradition of organizing annual student running competitions. These events are widely recognized as symbols of student culture and unity. According to VTK, Leuven has hosted its iconic 24-hour run since the 1970s, an event that continues to attract thousands of participants and onlookers each year.

Ghent’s 12-hour student run encourages participants to take part in shifts, promoting teamwork and stamina. Inspired by these formats, Antwerp’s event has extended from 10 to 12 hours, reflecting a growing appetite for more challenging athletic events in student communities across the nation.