I already wrote a blog post about running anecdotes (falls and animals). Here is a second post about anecdotes. Running is like traveling. Adventure can be found in unexpected places. This time, I will focus on the Dodentocht. The 100 km Dodentocht is not a race, but I always try to run a large part of it.
By 2025, I will have participated in seven Dodentochten. You don’t have to participate in the Dodentocht for the terrain. The course is pretty boring, but the atmosphere is wonderful. People sing in many places. One of the classics that is sung is “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC.
Some participants feel that walking 100 km is not crazy enough. Some groups have been known to walk/run another 100 km the day before the Dodentocht (for example, in the opposite direction) to warm up.
There are always some old-timers participating too; people in their 80s who reach the finish line and even people in their 90s. Age is just a number. At the 41st edition, in which I also participated, there was a fatality. He died 300 meters from the finish line. The festive parade that normally takes place at the end of the event was canceled. Traditionally, a coffin is carried during the parade, which would have been very sarcastic.
In terms of footwear and outfits, I saw a lot of variety. Superman remains a rewarding inspiration for outfits. In 2023, someone participated in a tailored suit and briefcase. Once I saw someone wearing clogs. I believe that participant made it to the finish line. In 2018, there was a clog maker wearing clogs, but he didn’t make it to the finish line. At the 2023 edition, I also saw someone barefoot. No idea if that guy made it to the finish line. He certainly didn’t make it into the newspaper.
I also participated in the 2022 edition. At that time, the Dodentocht was shortened due to a heatwave and was only 65 kilometers. I had already finished by 5 a.m.
No idea when I’ll be at the starting line next time. Not next year, because I’ll be running the Monschau marathon.
© Dieter Bruyneel
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
DIETER BRUYNEEL (MIJN PEN, MIJN WERELD) 