A performance carried out in Breda (Netherlands) as part of the 11th edition of the Wings for Life World Run, the largest charity running race which brought together 265,818 people around the world, in physical or virtual events.
The objective? Go as far as possible until being caught by a “Catcher Car” which started the chase 30 minutes after the starting gun and which went faster and faster.
Valentin Poncelet therefore managed to stay in front of the Catcher Car for 66.61 kilometers and more than 4 hours of racing. Which allowed him to win the event in Breda, but also to beat his own Belgian record (he ran 60.3 kilometers in Brussels last year) and finish third in the world rankings.
Only two athletes in the world have been able to do better than him: the Japanese Tomoya Watanaba (70.1 km) and the Frenchman Guillaume Ruel (68.29 km).
“Last year I participated in the Wings for Life World Run for the first time and covered just over 60 kilometers”indicates Valentin Poncelet, former winner of the 20 Km of Brussels who will accompany a group of participants in this event with the objective of finishing in 2 hours. “The goal in Breda was to reach at least 65 kilometers. That's done. (laughs) The first 50 kilometers went without difficulty, but then it became very difficult physically and mentally. I am incredibly proud. ”
This year, no less than 8.1 million euros were raised for the Wings for Life Foundation thanks to the mobilization of participants.
“I really like the concept of the Wings for Life World Run”continues Valentin Poncelet. “I always try to set a good time, but a car that passes you and the fact that all the profits go to charity, it gives me a little push to go even faster. ”
More than 1,200 Belgians involved
It was not only in Breda that many Belgians took part in the Wings for Life World Run this Sunday. Many other places in our country also spontaneously organized joint races: Lievegem, Brussels, Seraing, Geel and Wuustwezel. With a virtual car in these cases and a total of 1200 Belgians involved in this 11th edition.
