Jogging in Brussels

Jogging is one of the most accessible sports available. Just put your shoes on, slam the door and off you go! Here is the way to do it in Brussels.

Get Ready...

Before gobbling up kilometres, make sure you are properly equipped. We will leave the choice of clothing up to you but would strongly recommend going to a specialist shop for your runners. Why? Well the choice of shoe will depend on many factors such as length and width of course but also your total body weight, type of terrain and distance you usually run. Try out Jogging Plus in the European area or Training 7. in Auderghem. Put 80 - 130 euros aside for a good pair of runners.

Steady...

Opposite the Royal Palace, the park going by the same name bustles with jogging activity! Even Nicolas Sarkozy was once seen here before attending a European summit meeting. Joggers run by at all times and at all speeds. Beware that you will be faced with a tough decision upon entry... one must choose to join the clan of the clockwise or adhere to the counter-clockwise brotherhood! Keep your eyes peeled, some collective sessions are organised. A short jog down rue de la Loi, the Parc du Cinquantenaire is just as popular. The same goes for most open spaces, perfectly adequate for running. Don't forget to try the "promenade verte" courses.


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On the way back you can stop off in the Parc de la Woluwe or at the Centre ADEPS of the Forêt de Soignes to cool down.

The Parc de la Woluwe is a great open space: it offers a big parking near the tennis club (entrance on Boulevard du Souverain). As far as training goes, it caters for all levels. Beginners can enjoy a varied relief coupled with a nice playground from within the boundaries of the parc while more experienced joggers will move on to "l'ancienne ligne de chemin de fer" or the "old train line". Right at the park's edge, this marked track includes crossing avenue de Tervuren on Ravel's design and offers some charming detours. Let yourself go!

At the Centre ADEPS, you have the choice of three tagged tracks, one of 5, 10 and 20 kilometres. All three have charming scenery as you jog through the forest on wide paths amidst flourishing valleys. Your feet will appreciate the soft ground and your lungs will replenish their fresh air supplies. Ultimate luxury, and for a modest fee, you can take a hot shower in the Sports Centre's facilities. The forest de Soignes has plenty of parking spaces scattered around to help you vary your monthly, weekly or daily jog.

Finally remember that the most ecological way to train is to leave from your doorstep to return home a few strides later. Have you ever thought of running home from work?

Go?

If you feel you need something more competitive, your first thought might be the 20 kilometres of Brussels. However, besides this massive event, many races are organised every weekend within Brussels and beyond: an original way to discover the city. Frédéric Solvel