Dour Half-Marathon (21KM.be) 2025

How about a run 🏃‍♀️, a half-marathon, and a sunset 🌅 in the heart 💓 of Wallonia? Fancy it? It’s in Dour, the most French-speaking region of Belgium 🇧🇪, where you will have the chance to enjoy this unique experience among running enthusiasts… and animals! Yep, you also have the option to run a 10 km, a 5 km, a charity walk of 5 km or 10 km, and a canicross 🐕 at the Dour Half-Marathon AKA 21KM.be AKA Highlands Half-Marathon. Whew… That's a lot of names! 😅 But no matter, because the message is the same: you need to come to this race, and we’re going to tell you why! 👇

It's in April 🪡, under the mild spring temperatures 🌸, that the third edition ✌️ of the Dour semi will take place. On the agenda: hilly courses ⛰️ (195 m elevation gain), exceptional landscapes, and a 21 km semi-nocturnal 🌓 run that will reveal a magnificent sunset, just like last year's. This loop 🔁 in the South of the country will introduce you to the surroundings of the municipality, right on the border with France 🐓. You might know this town for its music festival (Dour Festival)… 🎸🎙️ At least you're forewarned! The locals have rhythm in their blood! 🎶 There, you won't feel too out of place, whether in terms of landscape, language, or temperature 😌. But remember: you're dealing with Belgians! So, even though they're extremely friendly (to the point of having a professional team of physiotherapists ready to give you all the massages you want 💆‍♀️), don't hesitate to show your colors!

We're just kidding! 😉 Hospitality and friendliness are the keywords of this feel-good competition 👍. At the Dour semi, you'll be among enthusiasts, who have done everything to fully integrate the participants. Proof of this is the inclusion of a 10 km and a 5 km race 👐. Thus, even beginners can take part! But that's not all, since a canicross 🐶 will allow you to enjoy this warm atmosphere 🔥 and discover the beauty of the region 🥰 with your faithful companion. Also, para-athletes can join in, with the half-marathon course being adapted to accommodate joelettes ♿. There's also good news for runners who love devouring miles: in 2025, the first 👆 Dour Marathon, also known as 42KM.be, will take place. Moreover, the race is part of a challenge 😮 consisting of 5 Belgian marathons, including those of Saint-Ghislain 🐻, Binche, Jurbise, and Braine Le Comte 👑. In the meantime, you can get ready by starting with this semi, which is announced as the most challenging of the challenge, especially due to its various climbs 📈 (relaunches) that require good technique. Yep, with its 195 m elevation gain, the course is surprisingly hilly, especially considering how Belgium is known as a flat country! 📏

However, it seems that the landscapes to be discovered at 21KM.be are also the most majestic. For your information, you'll roam around the vicinity of the town full of picturesque streets and in Élouges, Wihéries, Audregnies, Montignies-sur-Roc, and Onnezies. But as you can guess, there will also be nature! So, you'll be running through fields 🌾, windmills 🌬️ and forests 🌳 of the Highlands Natural Park and Quievrain. The 5 km or the 10 km will introduce you to Honnelles through woods 🪵, trails, and roads. If you're not a geography buff, you'll be pleased to know that the Highlands Natural Park is a remarkable natural site with rich fauna and flora 💫. In total, 11.5% of its territory (that's 1,840 hectares) is designated Natura 2000 🌿. Not bad at all! 👏

We hope you're convinced, because we adore it! 🫶