Quentin, the road and trail enthusiast, between revenge and passion
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to the world of Quentin, a true Kuristo through and through! For 6 years, he’s been carving his path between the forests of Woluwe and the tunnels of the Brussels Marathon, with energy that never fades. Whether he’s taming the 42 km of Eindhoven or sharing laughs in the hail with the group, Quentin embodies the spirit of the club: passion, perseverance, and camaraderie. From unforgettable memories (like that 2025 marathon where his thighs said, "No way... but we’re finishing!") to the challenges ahead, discover the journey of a runner for whom every stride counts… and every beetroot juice mishap too 😉.
How long have you been part of the club?
I’ve been a member for 6 years—I joined in January 2020. I managed to do a few fun forest outings, especially with Vincent and Léon, before COVID hit. Then there was a bit of a lull, but by June 2020, I was back, lungs burning, and I’ve been coming at least once a week ever since.
Tu es un pratiquant occasionnel, régulier, acharné ?
Régulier : cool si je n’ai pas d’objectif, plus acharné si j’ai un marathon ou un 20 km en tête 😊.
Are you a casual, regular, or hardcore practitioner?
Regular—cool if I don’t have a goal, but more hardcore if I’ve got a marathon or a 20K in my sights 😊.
How did you get into running? And how did you join Kuristo?
I think it was in the TamTam magazine from Woluwe: at the end of 2018, I’d already seen an ad for Kuristo in there. I told myself I’d come to a session. I never ended up doing it, but then, at the end of 2019, I saw almost the same ad again and remembered I’d wanted to go. So after that reminder, I came one Sunday.
What’s your most memorable running memory?
The Brussels Marathon 2025—I was already struggling by the 25th kilometer, but I didn’t give up. My thighs were completely destroyed, and limping through the final tunnels’ ups and downs was pure agony… but I was happy because I knew I was going to finish. I’d dropped out at the 32nd km on the old Tervuren route back in 2018, so this was my redemption.
And your worst memory?
I’ve had a few rough races, but the worst was the Brussels 20K in September 2021. I was in great shape, aiming for 1:20–1:22, but I didn’t fuel properly during the race. I started fast—hit the 10K in 40 minutes, and everything felt possible. But by the 12th km, I felt off. I slowed down, people passed me, and the climb up Avenue de Tervueren finished me. My blood pressure crashed, my head wouldn’t stay up on its own, and I was zigzagging. The Red Cross stopped me 900 meters from the finish, at 1:19. My blood pressure was at 8, and I was lying in the grass, unable to open my eyes. I spent 2 hours in the medical tent with an IV before finally crossing the line in 3:21.
Do you prefer trail races or road races?
I lean toward trail races—even though I have road goals this year, trail races are more fun, usually smaller, and you’re not constantly dodging people.
What keeps you motivated to run even when you don’t feel like it?
The group! Knowing we’ll face the hail, cold, and mud together makes it way more bearable. There’s always someone at Kuristo to chat with.
Do you run more for performance or for pleasure?
More for pleasure, even though I push myself harder when I have goals.
Music or silence during your runs?
When I run alone, I often listen to music, especially for intervals. For competitions, I don’t use music—the adrenaline is enough.
What are your hobbies outside of running?
Taking care of my two daughters, aged 2 and 4, already takes up a lot of my time! I also really enjoy listening to podcasts, especially about history, philosophy, and science.
What’s your favorite workout?
The famous pyramid: 1 minute-2-3-4-5-5-4-3-2-1. It was my go-to workout between 2022 and 2024 😊. It lets you explore different speed ranges, and you can feel the finish line getting closer—shortening the times is such a relief.
Which race do you not want to miss?
I regularly run the 15 km in Woluwe, the Arts Run, and the Flosses Run. The closer, the better!
What’s your goal for the year?
To finish the Eindhoven Marathon in under 3 hours. With solid training, plenty of beetroot juice (even if it makes me feel sick), carbon-plated shoes, a gel every 30 minutes like clockwork, and water at every aid station, it should happen.
What’s your ultimate dream?
In sports, I’d love to do an Ironman someday—even if it takes me 15 hours. Otherwise, I really enjoy public speaking, and I’d love to become really good at it and give high-level talks as a speaker in tech fields.
A movie or series that marked you?
There are many, but recently I really loved The Mandalorian from Star Wars. That said, I still have an incredible memory of Shutter Island—all the twists and turns. Even 20 years after watching it, I’m still not sure I fully understood the movie!
A book you recommend?
I really love Bill Bryson, for example A Short History of Nearly Everything. Ken Follett is also amazing—plus, his sagas will keep you busy for a while!
What’s your favorite dish?
My mom’s lasagna. It’s usually a bit runny, but it’s pure nostalgia for me.
What’s your favorite drink?
Schweppes Tonic. It’s super refreshing in the summer, and it feels like it’s not loaded with sugar—even though I just checked, and it’s not great.
What’s your dream place to live?
Brittany, by the coast, in a protected natural area with minimal development—a small beach, cliffs, and ideally not too much wind. Somewhere like the Quiberon Bay in Morbihan or near Saint-Malo.
Quentin is living proof that running is about so much more than just times or elevation gains. It’s a story of pushing yourself, collective support, and shared joy. Whether he’s crushing his goals on the road or savoring his mom’s (liquid but legendary) lasagna, he reminds us of one thing: at Kuristo, we run first and foremost for the fun of it, and the rest follows. So, ready to join the adventure? Whether you’re into the 1-2-3-4-5 pyramid or surviving a marathon, there’s always a place for you among the Kuristos.
Lace up those shoes! 🏃♂️💨
