The fifth edition of the AG Belgian Coast Walk lured over 7,000 participants (including Belgian Queen Mathilde) to a sun-drenched coast on Saturday. The most fervent walkers have been on their feet since early morning to cover the 80 kilometres from Knokke-Heist to De Panne.
The Belgian Coast Walk has only gained in popularity since its first edition in 2019. With more than 7,000 participants, it will therefore set another record.
In a short time, it has become the second-largest walking event in the country after the Death March ("Dodentocht"). The event also offers added value for the tourism sector, as participants get to know the coast in a different way.
Between 04:30 and 05:00 on Saturday, the most passionate walkers started their journey at Sportcentrum Laguna in Duinbergen (Knokke-Heist): as many as 1,300 participants chose to walk the full distance of 80 kilometres.
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Of course, they are presented with several passages on the beach, but dunes, forests and polders are not forgotten either. The course also introduces walkers to the port areas.
Participants could also opt to complete a 42-kilometre route from Ostend. From Westende (Middelkerke), a distance of 25 kilometres can also be walked. This year, Queen Mathilde walked this 25-kilometre trek.
Among others, the Queen walked past the marina of Nieuwpoort, the IJzer estuary and over the Hoge Blekker in Koksijde: at 33 metres the highest ridge of dunes on the Belgian coast. She also passed the spot where Leopold I first officially set foot on land on 17 July 1831.
Finally, a 10-kilometre loop in and around De Panne is also an option.
At the finish on the Koningsplein in De Panne, all participants will receive a medal. The finish at De Boare closes irrevocably at 23:30.
