Dinant prepares for first ever Half Marathon: 4,000 runners at the start line
On October 4, Dinant writes a new chapter in its sporting history. For the first time, a Dinant Half Marathon is being organized: a fast 21.1 kilometers along the Meuse, starting in Hastière and featuring a spectacular finish in the heart of Dinant.
It is already clear that the concept is a hit. The event was completely sold out in barely three days. No fewer than 4,000 runners will soon be at the start line of this first edition.
More than 2,000 women and 13 nationalities
The composition of the field of participants is also striking. Of the 4,000 registered runners, more than 2,000 are women. The average age of the participants is 33.8 years.
In addition, the first edition immediately takes on an international character: runners from 13 different nationalities will appear at the start.
Everything indicates that the Dinant Half Marathon appeals to a particularly broad audience right from its very first edition.
From Hastière to Dinant, along the Meuse
The start will be given in Hastière, about 14 kilometers south of Dinant and close to the French border.
After the starting gun, participants first complete a local loop of approximately 5 kilometers in Hastière. Then they head towards Dinant and the fastest part of the course begins.
Via the Route Nationale, the runners follow the Meuse almost continuously. The course leads them through the valley, with the river as a common thread and the rock faces and villages of the region as a backdrop.
And then Dinant appears on the horizon.
In the final phase, the runners reach the historic center. They cross the bridge over the Meuse, with a view of the Citadel and the characteristic skyline of Dinant, after which only one task remains: give it their all for the final meters and launch the sprint to the finish line in the center.
A course built for fast running
The Dinant Half Marathon aims to distinguish itself as a fast half marathon right from the first edition.
The route along the Meuse makes for a course where runners can maintain their pace for a long time. This makes the race interesting for both recreational participants who want to finish their first half marathon and experienced runners hunting for a fast time.
With 4,000 participants during the very first edition, that fast route immediately gets the atmosphere of a major running event.
Only 300 final charity tickets left
Those who missed out on a bib number get one last chance.
On September 1, the very last 300 charity tickets will be released. After that, registrations will be permanently closed and the full field of participants for the first Dinant Half Marathon will be final.
With the charity tickets, the final stretch towards the event begins.
Follow live via Livio Live
The race won't only be available to follow along the course. The very first edition of the Dinant Half Marathon will also be available to follow live via Livio
This allows family, friends and supporters who are not present on site to follow the race from a distance.
4,000 runners. More than 2,000 women. 13 nationalities. 21.1 kilometers along the Meuse.
On October 4, Dinant is ready for its very first Half Marathon.