The world barbecue record was broken in the Flemish municipality of Haaltert this weekend, as 50-year-old Kristof De Schepper spent 81 hours grilling pieces of meat, without sleeping.
The world record attempt started on Thursday in a bar in Haaltert (East Flanders). On Sunday evening, after four days and three nights, De Schepper succeeded: at 18:00, the previous record had been equalled, but he continued until 19:19 – not coincidentally, as 1919 is the year his favourite football club Eendracht Aalst was founded.
"The past few days were mostly enjoyable," he said on Flemish radio. "Except for the last few hours. That is when it got really difficult. At one point I started babbling to myself."
Not only did the initiative result in a world record, De Schepper also raised a large sum of money for the 'Kom Op Tegen Kanker' organisation (Stand Up To Cancer). In March, his team will participate in the organisation's 100-kilometre run to raise money as well.
"Raising the money was actually the most important thing; the world record is a nice bonus," he said. "We succeeded in that thanks to the massive turnout. It has been a madhouse here for four days. Now I am going home to shower, watch some TV and sleep."
