896 days after the previous edition Antwerp finally played host to a new edition of the AG Antwerp 10 Miles. 26,000 runners crossed the Kennedy and Waasland tunnels for a memorable 16km run through the city, with Michael Somers and Nina Lauwaert winning the event. Some 3500 runners participated in the 6.8 km AG Antwerp Short Run while 1000 kids enjoyed the Alpro Kids Run, setting the total for the one-off autumn edition of the AG Antwerp 10 Miles at 30,500 participants.
The AG Antwerp 10 Miles has been Belgium’s largest running festival for many years, which meant the entry list was closed on Thursday after the maximum number of participants had been reached. At 13:30 on Sunday Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever got the event off to a start on Linkeroever, launching the first of four waves, which allowed for an optimal spread of the participants across the 16km course.
After three kilometres the participants descended into the Kennedy Tunnel, emerging on the right bank for a run past the Palace of Justice, the quays, Grand Place and the Meir, the popular shopping street which saw throngs of spectators cheer on the runners. The entire course was lined with fans, but the AG Cheering Lanes on the Meir gave runners an additional energy boost with DJs and cheerleaders.
At 13km the runners crossed underneath the Schelde river again via the Waasland Tunnel, with the last 2km on Linkeroever leading them back to the Gloriantlaan for a glorious finish.
Somers drops Kimeli, international podium in the women’s event
Michael Somers led large spells of the men’s event alongside Isaac Kimeli, but managed to drop Kimeli just outside the final kilometre to take the win in 47:45. Kimeli was second some 20 seconds in arrears, with his training partner Thomas De Bock finishing third. Six-time winner Nick Van Peborgh finished just off the podium in fourth.
In the women’s event Nina Lauwaert won in a time of 56:51. American Liz Romo, who lives in Flanders, finished second one minute behind while Dutchwoman Saskia Weinans completed an international podium. Defending winner Lore Tack finished off the podium in fourth.
Wout van Aert picks the 10 Miles over cyclocross World Cup
Cycling star Wout van Aert made a surprise appearance at the event just one week after his final road race of the season in Paris-Roubaix. The triple cyclocross world champion, current Belgian road champion and Olympic silver medallist decided to take part in the AG Antwerp 10 Miles instead of heading to the States for the UCI Cyclo Cross World Cup. Van Aert completed the 10 miles in 1:11.
Antwerp mayor De Wever also took part and set his best ever time in 1:25:37. Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden finished in a highly respectable 1:29:54.
Alpro Kids Run & AG Antwerp Short Run
Sunday’s event remained incident-free, with a 18C temperature and autumn sun providing ideal running conditions. The under-12 runners also enjoyed their morning run in the 1.8 km Alpro Kids Run on Linkeroever. Some 3500 participants on the 6.8 km AG Antwerp Short Run also had an earlier start, enjoying the Antwerp skyline on their run at Galgenweel. Kevin Schauwaers (20:40) and Mélanie Bovy (24:28) won the men’s and women’s race respectively.
See you on 24 April 2022
Next year the AG Antwerp 10 Miles will return to its traditional spring slot on the calendar. We’ll see you again on Sunday 24 April 2022 for the 36st edition of the AG Antwerp 10 Miles.
