Belgium Adventures Day 12: 7K Race in Liege

A few years ago I learned about a 15K (9.3 miles) race that takes place in Liege each April. For a variety of reasons, it took until this year before I could fit it into my schedule. As I've been battling foot and knee issues, I opted for the 7K distance. I'm glad I did. Looking around at the other racers, they were more my speed -- both physically and mentally.

I picked up my bib on a blue sky day. Temperatures were in the 70s with low humidity. Fifteen hours later temperatures dropped and the clouds rolled in. The threat of rain was real. 

On the surface, after two weeks of perfect spring weather, it felt unfair. Truthfully, though, it is easier to run when it is a little cooler and the sun is not beating down on you.

The race was organized by a group called ETHIAS. All of my emails leading up to the event were in French. Based on the messages, it felt like a local race. Bib pick up was scheduled during the week a town away from Liege (which I could have taken a bus to, but did not). I took the option of pickup on Saturday afternoon between 4 and 6 pm. They also offered day of pick up, but I did not see where that took place. (Looking at the website, day of pick up was at the finish line.) I had someone ask me, so it was not clear to her, either. The description said people wear costumes, other than the six running together in a caterpillar costume (see picture below), I did not notice anyone wearing costumes. I did see a couple of people running with their dogs (though the website said they are not allowed).

There were a bunch of races taking place that day including a 42K trail run, and a 15K running race. A 6K or 8K walk (same start time) and 21K walk (started same time as the 42KM trail run). Plus 400m and 800m children's races. The main event seemed to be the 15k at 11 am. The 7k started at 10:30. I'm pleased to say I finished before the first 15k finisher. The thirty minute head start helped that.

The race felt both familiar and different. According to their website, there were 3,799 7K runners, with over 3,400 having times ranging from 20 minutes to 4 hours. I was put in the "world marathon" category along with an American man and an Italian woman, technically making me the fastest American woman at the race! Most runners were from Belgium. 

We lined up in no particular order. I saw lots of matching t-shirts identifying people as members of the same school or a charity or some other group. I looked for the school I attended, but did not see it represented. When I went it was an all girls' school, I believe grades K-12. When I stopped by it seemed to be a co-ed school. Google searches are not being helpful.

Our route started at Guillemins train station and went past the Church of Veronica. Past the botanical garden I didn't know Liege had until this week. We wove back through the train station to the other side of Guillemins. Through some neighborhoods, ending up along the Meuse River for a short bit before crossing to Bouverie Park. A loop through the park, and all too soon we were at the finish line.

We seemed to stay as a pack the entire time. Usually people spread out. There was some jockeying for position, but not nearly as much as I saw at the Spring Lake 5 last year.

I paused along the way and took pictures and tried to enjoy the experience. I finished just under an hour from the official start. I think the serious runners aimed for the 15K, and the rest of us were out to enjoy ourselves.

There were some local groups, including a marching band and a drum circle entertaining us along the route. The marching band moved towards the finish line to catch the 15K runners again.

A kid fell and scuffed his knee. He was crying with his mom and a sibling. I showed him my battle scars. He jumped back in the race. I hope I helped.

There were no kilometer markers. None. Not for the 7K. Not for the 15K.

I also did not see any timing pads. After I was finished for at least a minute, someone scanned my bib.

Some people held signs encouraging their family members.

I saw water being set up, but they seemed to be saving it for the 15K runners, though I was able to get a glass around the 2K mark. According to the information on the website, our race fees included water and food stations, a massage, and a shower.

The finish line was extremely eco friendly. We were handed a large reusable plastic cup and pointed to boxes of water. After having our fill, there was a place to return the cups. I trust they were washed before being used again.

Medals were optional. I paid an additional 5 euros for mine. I had to go to a separate tent to collect it. It said 15K. I did not see any 7K medals.

The winner of the 15K race came in 6th the day before in the elite half marathon in Leuven.

It ended up not raining. Cooler weather for the win!

Random pictures:

Human caterpillar -- they train together