The Baloise Antwerp 10 Miles celebrated its 40th anniversary in style. Spread over two days, a record number of 50,000 runners took part in the country’s most popular running event. An estimated 120,000 spectators lined the route to cheer the runners on to the finish line and enjoy the unique, festive atmosphere together. Patrick Nimubona was crowned the winner of the 40th Baloise Antwerp 10 Miles, whilst Charlotte Van Hese was the fastest woman.
In 1986, 600 runners lined up at the start of the very first edition. Forty years later, the Baloise Antwerp 10 Miles has grown into Belgium’s largest running event with 50,000 participants, 40,000 of whom ran the 10-mile distance on Sunday. On Saturday, the Baloise Antwerp 5 Miles welcomed 7,500 participants for a run on Linkeroever, whilst 2,500 young runners aged between 4 and 12 enjoyed the Persil Kids Mile.
By spreading the festive edition over two days, more people than ever had the chance to take part and there was more space and comfort for everyone, both at the start and along the course. On Sunday, between 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m., participants set off from Gloriantlaan on Linkeroever in ten start waves of around 4,000 runners each.
The slight adjustment to the route, with extra metres around Zuidpark and along Marnixplaats, was very well received by the participants. Otherwise, the course included the traditional sections through the Kennedy Tunnel, past the Vlinderpaleis, through Kloosterstraat, across the Kaaien, past the MAS and finally through the Waasland Tunnel. The finish line was once again on the central reservation of August Vermeylenlaan: a final straight with 300-metre-long double-sided spectator stands – a real stadium – which filled to the brim to applaude the finishers.
But there was also, and above all, loud cheering on Rechteroever, in the official cheering zones, near the roughly 25 entertainment spots – such as the Qmusic DJ duos on Bolivarplaats and at the MAS. This anniversary edition also got an extra festive touch. More than ever, this was much more than just a running event; it was a huge festival in the city centre and on Linkeroever. According to initial estimates, there were 120,000 supporters lining the route in the city centre and on Linkeroever.
A few top runners always make a point to add their names to the roll of honour every year. Once again, there were plenty of fast men and women at the start who have already distinguished themselves in numerous disciplines. In the men’s race, just before the halfway point, the trio of Boulvin, Nimubona and Vanoppen broke away from the rest. It was only upon exiting the Waasland Tunnel that Vanoppen was the first to drop back, and on the final straight, Boulvin was unable to match Nimubona’s final sprint. Victory therefore went to Patrick Nimubona in a new course record of 46’43. Boulvin finished five seconds behind (46’48), whilst Thomas Vanoppen took a creditable third place (46’57).
In the women’s race, Charlotte Van Hese – last year’s number three – and Julie Voet lived up to their roles as favourites. Voet shook Van Hese off after around 10 kilometres, but Van Hese fought back. They ran out of the Konijnenpijp together, but then someone stepped on Voet’s heel. Victory therefore went to Van Hese in 53’07, with Voet finishing second by over half a minute (53’41). Jolien Denis completed the podium.
In their wake followed tens of thousands of recreational runners pursuing their own goals. Among them were plenty of familiar faces, led by Prime Minister De Wever, Ministers Beenders and De Ridder, and Alderman for Sport Stijn De Rooster, as well as Greg Van Avermaet, Marten Van Riel (who acted as pacer), Julie Vermeire, Tine Embrechts and Guga Baul, Fien Germyns, Vincent Fierens and many others. Antwerp Mayor Els van Doesburg had already run the Baloise 5 Miles on Saturday.
The celebrations continue even after the anniversary weekend. With your finisher’s medal, you can enjoy benefits in Antwerp over the coming days and weeks. For example, tonight at Wolf Food Market, you’ll receive a free non-alcoholic beer and a free photo booth picture using code 10MILES. From tomorrow, your medal grants free entry for two to the KMSKA, The Antwerp Story at ’t Steen and the Rubens House, and on Thursday 30 April you can swim for free at all Antwerp swimming pools. There are also discounts available at venues including MOOY Antwerp, Antwerp Amusement Centre and Het Elfde Gebod Riverside. All information and terms and conditions can be found on this website.
We are already looking forward to the 41st edition, on the weekend of 17 and 18 April next year. But before that, there is obviously the TREK Antwerp Marathon on 18 October.