Belgian Trio Shatters Ultramarathon World Record

Belgian ultrarunners Merijn Geerts, Ivo Steyaert, and Frank Gielen set a new Backyard Ultra world record by covering nearly 738km in four days. The trio completed 110 loops in the bi-annual championship in Retie, Belgium, leading the nation to victory over Australia and the United States.

In a historic feat, Belgian ultrarunners Merijn Geerts, Ivo Steyaert, and Frank Gielen set a new record in the Backyard Ultra ultramarathon. The trio ran nearly 738km over four days and 14 hours, clinching victory by completing 110 loops each in Retie, Belgium.

The prestigious bi-annual championship, which began on Saturday, saw participation from 63 countries. Teams are composed of 15 runners each, with the cumulative laps determining the winner. Belgium emerged victorious with a total of 1,147 loops, surpassing Australia and the United States, who completed 971 and 969 loops respectively.

Geerts, Steyaert, and Gielen made history by breaking the previous record of 108 laps, established by American Harvey Lewis last year. The Belgian runners crossed the finish line united by linking arms, marking a triumphant conclusion to the grueling race.

(With inputs from agencies.)