This Sunday 24 April 2022 the city of Antwerp will be taken over by runners. The 36th edition of the AG Antwerp 10 Miles will draw 30,000 participants to the start of the event. Nearly one in two participants is taking part via a company, school or organisation. Michaël Somers and Nina Lauwaert are hoping to take a second consecutive win.
The first of four waves will start at 13:30. The many thousands of participants are eagerly looking forward to the fantastic passages on the Kaaien or the Grote Markt. And then there’s the unforgettable dip through the Kennedy and Waasland tunnels to cross to the other bank and back, which is a famous staple of the AG Antwerp 10 Miles.
As was the case last time, the start and finish of the AG Antwerp 10 Miles is located on Linkeroever’s Gloriantlaan. “In 2021 the start and finish location on Linkeroever was changed. That added some comfort for the participants. That’s why we want to build on that new set-up,” says Greg Broekmans from organiser Golazo sports.
“Last autumn we got to experience another live edition of the AG Antwerp 10 miles, and this year we will get an edition on its usual end of April slot. Even though recent world events show us that there are few certainties, we are slowly returning to the normal life we value so much. Staples such as the AG Antwerp 10 Miles, one of the biggest mass events in our country at 30,000 participants, deserve our support. AG supports everyone at the start, great and small, young and old, fanatic sporter or neophyte, in the conviction that everyone will be able to achieve their goals,” says Heidi Delobelle, CEO of title partner AG.
“14 September 1986: 800 participants are at the start of the very first Becel 10 Miles. Antwerp’s running fans have no idea about the significance of that event. The fact that Antwerp is now a city of runners is largely thanks to the AG Antwerp 10 Miles”, says Antwerp’s sports councillor Peter Wouters. “We are now getting ready for number 36 with an impressive number of both running freaks and casual runners of all ages. Antwerp is ready to go, both on and off the wonderful course. Tens of thousands of runners will go flat out during the run, while masses of spectators will also give it their all to support them. In 2022 our sports capital will once again show why the AG Antwerp 10 Miles is Flanders’ biggest running festival.”
AG ANTWERP SHORT RUN & KIDS RUN
Those who feel the 16km or 10 miles is a little bit too much can instead opt for the AG Antwerp Short Run (start at 11:30). This 6.8km tour loops around Galgenweel, where runners will get to savour a beautiful view of the Antwerp skyline. Children between 4 and 12 years old get to enjoy the 1.8km Kids Run (start at 10:30). More than 30,000 registrations are expected across all distances.
COMPANY VILLAGE SOLD OUT
The AG Antwerp 10 Miles is also a yearly appointment for many companies who want to show their sporting prowess along with their staff and families. “The event is welcoming more and more runners every year who are taking part with their company,” Broekmans explained. “Many of those companies are literally going the extra mile by hosting their runners and supporters in the cosy company village, located in between start and finish. This year a record number of companies have booked a spot in the village, we can’t fit in any more tents.”
MICHAEL SOMERS LEADS A STAR-STUDDED FIELD
With Michaël Somers and Nina Lauwaert the defending champions from 2021’s autumn edition return. Nina is facing competition from the likes of 2019 winner Lore Tack.
Michaël Somers stunned on his AG Antwerp 10 Miles debut by taking the win over Isaac Kimeli.
“From now on I am always making room for the 10 Miles on my planning, because I never want to miss this race again,” Somers said after the finish last year, and he is true to his word.
While Kimeli is absent, the rest of the 2021 edition’s top five is returning as well. Thomas De Bock, Nick Van Peborgh and Ward Van Der Kelen will give Somers some fierce opposition. Look out for the performance of Nicolaï Saké, the revelation of the past cross-country season and a teammate of Somers.
MOBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY
As always, organiser Golazo is rolling out a comprehensive mobility plan for the event, with several pro-active measures in order to make the traffic flow to and from the event as smooth as possible. Both participants and spectators are asked to come to the city or Linkeroever on foot, by bike or by public transport.
The event’s sustainability plan is equally robust, featuring separated waste collection, biodegradable cups on the course, re-usable cups at the drinks stands and the support from a dedicated ‘green team’.
