Benoît: between trail running, the 20km of Brussels and marathons – The Journey of a passionate runner.
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Running is much more than a sport; it's a story. Benoît's story is an adventure that began in the swimming pools of Charleroi, continued through the challenges of the Brussels 20K, and now unfolds on nature trails and with marathon dreams. From swimming to running, from memorable cramps to the joys of group training , his journey is a blend of passion, perseverance, and ambitious projects—like a trek in Nepal in retirement or writing a novel.
How long have you been a member of the club?
I joined Kuristo post-covid, in September 2021.
Are you an occasional, regular, or hardcore practitioner?
Regularly, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Sundays, I run on my own, often having the pleasure of crossing paths with the club groups.
Have you always been athletic?
As a young teenager, swimming was my favorite sport, and I frequented the club at L'Hélios, the swimming pool in Charleroi. I also loved sailing, and more specifically windsurfing.
How did you get into running? And Kuristo?
In my forties, I needed to de-stress and started running on my own. In 2005, with a group of friends, we challenged ourselves to participate in the Brussels 20K. What fantastic emotions at the start, during the race, and at the finish line! I caught the running bug and joined the "James" Club in Louvain-la-Neuve, discovering the joy of group training, endurance, and interval training. After that, I regularly participated in the Brabant Wallon and Brussels 20K challenges, and I also ran a few short trail races and six marathons!
What's your most memorable racing experience?
The first 20km in Brussels, where I discovered that I knew how to run.
And your worst memory(ies)?
I have more than one!
A relay race in Flanders where I was responsible for the swimming leg. After 10 meters where I had been overtaken by quite a few competitors, I was out of breath.
My first marathon, where I made the beginner's mistake of starting too fast. After 20 km, fatigue set in. Having reached km 32 on schedule, it still took me over two hours to cross the finish line. It was also my first experience with cramps!
The 20km race in 2024 where, after the finish, I had terrible cramps.
Do you prefer trail running or urban running?
Nature, but I don't do much of it anymore, I wouldn't miss the 20km of Brussels for anything in the world.
What are your hobbies outside of racing?
Reading, cinema.
Family time, with my wife, my children/stepchildren and grandchildren (3 soon to be 4).
Travel. I'll be retired in 8 months, and I'm getting ready... Trek in Nepal mid-January 2026
Writing: I enjoy writing short stories and fiction. My goal this year is to finish my current novel and find a publisher.
What's your favorite workout?
Base endurance sessions twice a week (although… I'm almost always pushing myself too hard… Hmm!). And if possible, a long run.
Once a week, I also do interval training on the track.
The race you don't want to miss?
The 20km, same for the 15km of WSL, the Ottignies challenge.
The club's hourly race!
What's your goal for the year?
I want to stay in my recent times for the 20km of Brussels (2h09) or improve, but age is a factor 😊.
Your ultimate dream?
While jogging, continue to run for as long as possible, do the 20km and why not a marathon again.
A film/series that made a lasting impression on you?
The latest one is "The Voice of Hind Rajab," but I'm a fan of so many different genres, except for horror fiction.
A book you recommend?
Impossible to say, there are so many. The 7 Sisters series, the books by Jose Rodrigues Dos Santo and the latest: "We Are Made of Storms" by Marie Charrel.
What's your favorite dish?
Diversity
What's your favorite drink?
Beers…
The dream place where you would like to live?
Where my wife is… I already followed her to Mons for her studies, then to Brussels for her first job, then to Ottignies to be able to welcome our children and now to WSL, close to her work 😊.
