Hagelandse (Eurotoday) – The Walking event Hagelandse 101 is now Hagelandse 106 (106 km) and Hagelandse 60 (60 km). A try-out walk (38.5 km) will be organized on June 8, 2025, in Aarschot. 5,000 spots available. Jo Langela organizes.
The walking event Hagelandse 101, in Belgium, spanning the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Limburg, is a long-distance trek from Leuven to Scherpenheuvel-Zichem. Now in its 5th year, the event is undergoing changes in honor of the number five. The long-distance walk has been extended to 106 kilometers, five kilometers more than before.
Similarly, the shorter route is now 60 kilometers, also gaining an extra five kilometers. Officials have announced that more participants can join this year, with 5,000 available spots, an increase from the previous 3,000. The route passes through hilly terrain, making it a tougher challenge for those accustomed to flat landscapes.
How is the Hagelandse 106 and 60 walking event changing this year?
A major addition this year is a try-out walk, aimed at helping participants prepare for the challenging hills. According to organizers, many walkers in the past were unprepared for the inclines, particularly those from flatter regions.
Jo Langela, one of the event organizers, emphasized the importance of the try-out to help participants acclimate to the demanding terrain. While the main event is designed to be both enjoyable and challenging, the try-out walk will allow people to test their endurance and adapt to the landscape.
**“We received comments from participants in the Hagelandse 101 that they were shocked by the characteristics of the Hageland,”**
says organizer Jo Langela.
**“Some participants come from the coast or participate in the Dodentocht, but it is as flat as a pancake there, and they are shocked by the hills in the Hageland.”**
The organizers encourage participants to train for the main event. While the try-out walk follows a different route, they assure it will be just as challenging. At 38.5 kilometers, the trial hike will test participants’ fitness and provide a chance to explore Aarschot, a town they would typically miss during the night section of the main walk.
**“Walkers can practice, on a custom-made course, which is different from the Hagelandse 106 and 60 that take place in September, but which are just as tough,”**
Jo adds.
The try-out walk on June 8, 2025, will begin and end in Aarschot. Designed to prepare participants for the hilly Hageland region, it is open to 1,000 people, with 400 spots already taken. Officials have clarified that anyone can join, even if they are not participating in the September 2025 main walk.
Registrations are filling quickly. While there is space for 5,000 walkers, already more than 3,500 spots have been claimed. Organizers urge interested participants to sign up soon before spots run out.
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