Fun run
A fun run, called a jogging in Flanders, is the most open kind of run. Anyone can take part: you do not need to be a club member or hold a licence. You usually choose between a short distance, such as 5 km, and a longer one, such as 10 km. There is often a children's run too.
A fun run is often organised by a sports club, a school or a village association, and the course follows the streets and paths nearby. You run for fun, or to improve your own time.
Road race
A road race goes over paved roads through a village or a town, often over a few laps. That makes the course flat and fast, with people cheering along the side. Sometimes a road race is part of a village fair or a market day.
Want to set a personal best over 5 or 10 km? A road race is a good choice.
Cross-country
A cross-country race goes over grass, mud and sand, with bends and sometimes a short climb. The season runs through autumn and winter. The distances are shorter than on the road, but you run slower and it is harder on your legs.
If the course is soggy, shoes with more grip are no luxury. Check with the organiser whether spikes are allowed.
Trail run
A trail run follows unpaved paths through woods, over heath and hills. The distances vary widely, from a short trail of an hour to runs that take a whole day. Look at the climbing and the surface as well: 15 km in the Flemish Ardennes takes longer than 15 km on a flat road.
For a longer trail run, the organiser sometimes asks you to carry water and a phone. You will find this in the practical information for the event.
Which distance should you choose?
- 5 km is a good first distance if you can run for half an hour without stopping.
- 10 km is the classic for people who have been running for a while.
- 21.1 km is a half marathon, 42.195 km a marathon. Those take months of training.
Not sure? Pick the shorter distance. To prepare for your first run, read Your first fun run.