Month: August 2025

Bornem – The 56th Dodentocht in Bornem witnessed 12,643 participants embarking on a grueling 100 km walk within 24 hours. Early finishers included Peter Bollen from Hingene and Stefan Dusaert from Puurs, although 246 individuals withdrew at Kalfort.

As the event commenced on August 9, 2025, walkers from various regions gathered in Antwerp, Belgium, to undertake this formidable challenge. While a significant number dropped out at Kalfort, nearly 12,000 participants persevered. A considerable presence of walkers was noted between Buggenhout and Opwijk during the morning hours.

Who were the early finishers in the 56th Dodentocht 100km?

Just prior to 7 a.m. on August 9, 2025, the first finishers crossed the finish line after completing the challenging 100-kilometre route. Approximately 50 participants successfully completed the walk, with Peter Bollen among the notable local athletes finishing early.

An early finisher shared that the initial segment of the journey posed significant challenges, requiring time to adapt his pace and find a rhythm. The encouragement from fellow walkers and the cheering crowds provided critical motivation. He finished alongside his brother-in-law, initially ranking around 50th but choosing to slow down to support others during the final stretch, attributing his success to effective pacing.

Stefan Dusaert described the 100-kilometre Dodentocht as a formidable test. He humorously noted that participants often forget the pain associated with the event after each year. His daughter encouraged him to aim for an early finish this year, a feat he had never previously achieved. While he celebrated his accomplishment, many runners and walkers were still on their course, with the deadline to finish set for 9:30 p.m., allowing for the awarding of medals and diplomas.

What is the Dodentocht, and how did it become a major endurance event in Belgium?

The Dodentocht, roughly translating to “Death March,” has been an annual endurance event held in Bornem since 1970, challenging participants to complete 100 kilometres within a 24-hour window. The event attracts thousands of walkers and runners from across the globe.

Over the years, officials have noted that the Dodentocht has evolved into one of Belgium’s hallmark sporting traditions, fostering a sense of personal achievement and community spirit among finishers.

, reports 24brussels.

These all-inclusive family resorts are redefining vacation dining with local ingredients, hands-on cooking classes, and menus that cater to everyone.

Antwerp – Seef Brewery, led by Johan Van Dyck, announced a remarkable 98% reduction in CO₂ emissions by implementing a nitrogen system developed by Atlas Copco. This initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to meet its 2030 climate targets.

According to VRT News, Seef Brewery has initiated a groundbreaking project aimed at eliminating CO₂ gas from its beer production processes. Traditionally, brewers utilize CO₂ to displace oxygen in tanks and kegs prior to filling them with beer, as oxygen can negatively affect the beer’s flavor and cause premature aging. However, this procedure results in releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Johan Van Dyck, who manages Seef Brewery, explained their past collaborations with companies at the Port of Antwerp to recycle CO₂, which proved to be insufficient as the recycled gas still ended up in the environment. Recognizing the need for a more sustainable solution, the brewery sought alternatives to mitigate their environmental impact.

Innovative Nitrogen System Revolutionizes Brewing Process

Working closely with Atlas Copco, Seef Brewery adopted a novel system that utilizes nitrogen gas instead of CO???. Nitrogen is abundant and harmless, consisting of approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere. This innovative approach allows for the removal of oxygen from the tanks without releasing harmful CO₂ into the environment.

The system employs nitrogen to purge oxygen from the brewing tanks prior to filling them with beer, which eliminates the need for CO₂ in the process. Currently undergoing trials, this is the first real-world application of the technology in a brewery, and Atlas Copco hopes its success will lead to broader adoption among other breweries.

“The word ‘nitrogen may not sound healthy, but don’t panic: with every breath you take, more than 70% is nitrogen. Only 21% is oxygen. So it’s a gas that surrounds us,”

Van Dyck reassured consumers about the safety of nitrogen.

The nitrogen system operates using renewable energy, ensuring that the brewing process remains eco-friendly. By substituting CO₂ for nitrogen in the production process, Seef Brewery has achieved an impressive 98% reduction in CO₂ emissions.

While the principal objective remains environmental stewardship, Van Dyck emphasized the importance of maintaining the beer’s quality and taste. Seef Brewery, an independent establishment, has long prioritized sustainability, utilizing recycled materials for its packaging and ensuring contented partnerships with local farms by donating leftover grain for animal feed.

The city of Antwerp has financially supported the brewery’s green initiatives as part of its goal to halve CO₂ emissions by 2030. Interested parties can explore the brewery and witness the innovative process firsthand, as it welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday.

Established in 2012, Seef Brewery specializes in reviving traditional beer recipes while remaining conscientious about its environmental footprint, preferring the use of recycled glass and plastic, and contributing to local agriculture.