Dour Half-Marathon (21KM.be) 2026

A race 🏃‍♀️, a half-marathon and a sunset 🌅 in the heart 💓 of Wallonia, does that tempt you? It is in Dour, in the most French-speaking region of Belgium 🇧🇪, that you will have the opportunity to live this unique experience with running enthusiasts... and animals! Yes, you also have the option to run a 11.5 km, a 6.1 km and finally THE Dour Half-Marathon AKA 21KM.be AKA Hauts-Pays Half-Marathon. Phew... That's a lot of names! 😅 But it doesn’t matter, because the point remains the same: you must come to this race, and we'll explain why! 👇

It's in April 🪡, under the gentle spring temperatures 🌸, that the fourth edition ✌️ of the Dour Half-Marathon will take place. On the agenda: hilly routes ⛰️ (195 mD+), exceptional landscapes and a 21 km in semi-night 🌓 that will allow you to discover a magnificent sunset, like last year's. This loop 🔁 in the south of the country will let you discover the surroundings of the municipality, bordering France 🐓. You might know this town for its music festival (Dour Festival)... 🎸 At least, you’re warned! The locals have rhythm in their veins! 🎶 There, you shouldn’t feel too out of place, whether in terms of landscape, language, or temperature 😌. But don't forget: you're dealing with Belgians! So, even if they are extremely friendly (to the point of putting up a professional team of physiotherapists to give you all the massages you want 💆‍♀️), you shouldn’t hesitate to defend your colors! 🇫🇷

Of course, we're kidding! 😉 Hospitality and friendliness are the key words of this feel-good competition 👍. At the Dour half, you'll be with enthusiasts, who have done everything to welcome the participants. Proof: they have also included a 11.5 km and a 6.1 km in this competition 👐. Thus, even beginners can participate! 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, parasports athletes can participate, as the half course is adapted to welcome joëlettes ♿. Moreover, the race is part of a challenge 😮 comprising 5 Belgian marathons which include the one in Saint-Ghislain 🐻, Binche, Jurbise and Braine Le Comte 👑. In the meantime, you can prepare by starting with this half, which is announced as the most difficult of the challenge, especially due to its various climbs 📈 (rebounds) that will require good technique. Yes indeed, with its 195 mD+, the course is surprisingly steep, especially when you know how much Belgium is a flat country! 📏

However, it seems that the landscapes to discover at 21KM.be are also the most sumptuous. For your information, you will stroll around the outskirts of the city full of picturesque streets and in Élouges, Wihéries, Audregnies, Montignies-sur-Roc and Onnezies. But as you can guess, there will also be nature! You will run through fields 🌾, mills 🌬️, and forest 🌳 of the Hauts Pays and of Quievrain. The 6.1 km or the 11.5 km will let you discover Honnelles between woods 🪵, trails and roads. If you’re not a geography buff, you'll be happy to know that the Natural Park of Hauts-Pays is a remarkable natural site that has a rich flora and fauna 💫. In total, 11.5% of its territory (1,840 hectares) is classified as Natura 2000 🌿. Not bad! 👏

We hope you're convinced, because we love Dour! 🫶