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Blankenberge is situated on Belgium`s coast and is one of the countries major tourist locations. Blankenberge itself features miles of sandy beaches, a pier, a casino and many other facilities associated with seaside resorts. To the north is the port of Zeebrugge and Bruges, only a few miles to the west, is regarded by many as the most beautiful town in the country. It is located in the Flemish part of Belgium so a majority of the locals speak excellent English. From personal experience,having spent three years working in Belgium, I find that the Flemish are far more friendly and open than their French-speaking counterparts in the south.
As mentioned, Zeebrugge is within sight of Blankenberge. To the south is also the port at Ostend. Eurostar travellers can catch a train from Bruxelles Gare du midi. Some trains are direct but others require a change at Bruges, a place worth visiting if you have time. The road links are also good and not too busy at the time of the walk, although it does get crowded in high season.
This walk is organised by the local tourist office and has taken place annually for the last 28 years. It is heavily advertised and always attracts a large number of walkers. The weather is normally very good which also ensures a lot of casual entrants. There are few military teams but the international NATO team from AFCENT, the Netherlands, traditionally carry the flags of the nations into the town at the end of the second day. On both days the walk takes in large sections of the beach both north and south of the town so boots are advisable, unless you want to spend the rest of the day with sand in your socks! Apart from this hazard, the rest of the walk takes place on paths through the countryside and, overall, it is one of the easiest walks. As such, it is an excellent introduction to the sport of road walking and is one of the friendliest events.
Distances covered are either 6, 12, 24 or 42 km a day over one or two days. To receive an IML award you only need to complete the 24 km route on both days. Note that everyone who finishes ANY of the walks is awarded a bronze coin that is different every year. Medals are not awarded but can be bought, along with a distinctive pin, from the souvenir stands at the end. If you would like the medal then it would be advisable to buy one before the walk. This event is unique in that it is the only place where you arrive at the finish to find the crowd and all the tourists wearing the walk medals and those that actually finish the event unable to buy one as they have sold out!
On the 42 km route on the first day there is a river that is crossed via a boat manned by struggling Belgian sea cadets. Other than that, there is little encouragement to cover this distance and the 24 km route is far more popular.
For more details and an entry form, contact the tourist board at:
Telephone: (050) 41 22 27 or 41 29 21
Fax: (050) 41 61 39
E-Mail: voettocht@unicall.be
Or,
De Wandelaar 17, B-8370 Blankenberge, Belgium.
As far as I know, there is no official web site as yet.
As Blankenberge is one of the major tourist attractions in Belgium, there are many hotels of all standards and camp sites. If you contact the tourist office at the address above, they will provide you with an extensive brochure which also includes a price list and special offers for those taking part in the walk. The 1998 brochure is now available and contains details on special packages for the two days walk. Anyone wishing to find out further information or a list of hotels included can drop me an e-mail and I will send out the information.
Military personnel can be accommodated in the local barracks or at a sports centre just outside the main part of town. Contact the tourist office for an entry form which contains a contact address for the local military liaison officer.
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