Escape The Watcher

About The Race

Escape The Watcher

Escape The Watcher - Kempen Edition - 2026

In the heart of the Kempen lies an ancient, mysterious legend. Long ago, it was said that the dense forests and vast heathlands of this region were guarded by a fierce protector, known as The Watcher of the Kempen. It was believed that no one could enter or leave the Kempen without his knowledge. Those who tried to escape without his permission would mysteriously be led back to where they started, as if the forests had trapped them in a time loop.

But once a year, when the spring sun rises and mist rolls over the paths, The Watcher offers a challenge: If brave souls can escape the boundaries of the Kempen and return before sunset, they earn his respect and may roam freely for a year.

Participants must first race to escape from the heart of the Kempen, deep in the forests, overcoming rolling terrain, river crossings, and dense forest trails that seem to shift beneath their feet.

But escape is not the end — once they reach the edge of the Kempen, they must turn around and find their way back to the starting point, as if the forest is calling them home.

Along the way, runners encounter symbolic checkpoints representing ancient landmarks of the Kempen: a cursed stone circle, an overgrown watchtower, and the Whispering Trees — where runners must find their way by listening to the wind.

The course requires not only speed, but also strategy, as the path changes and the forest seems to "close" behind them. It's not just a race against time, but against the land itself. Only those who outsmart the trails and use their instincts to find the most efficient routes will succeed.

Race information

When:28/03/2026 @ 00:00
Where:Sporthal Mintjens - Malle
Registrations close:14/03/2026
Maximum participants:600

Register

Practical

Info

Escape the Watcher is a challenging race in the Kempen where participants must travel as far as possible from the starting point in Malle via a self-chosen route within a time limit of 6 or 12 hours and return, while earning bonuses at certain route points.

With strategic planning and perseverance, runners try to outsmart the mythical Watcher of the Kempen.

The race can be run solo or in teams of 2 people.

Points are earned based on the furthest distance as the crow flies from the start: 1 point per kilometer.

Bonus points can be earned by navigating to certain Kempen checkpoints. The locations of these checkpoints and how many points each checkpoint is worth will be revealed one week before the start and are not mandatory. These checkpoints give the race a dynamic character.

When you return to the start outside the time limit (> 6 or 12 hours), you lose 1 point per minute.

Rules

Terms and Conditions

Saturday, March 28, 2026

06:00 - 06:45: Registration and tracker distribution 12 hours
06:55: Briefing 12 hours
07:00: Start 12 hours

11:30 - 12:45: Registration and tracker distribution 6 hours
12:55: Briefing 6 hours
13:00: Start 6 hours

19:00: Finish 6 and 12 hours
19:00 - 20:00: Post-race hot meal
19:30: Prize ceremony
19:30 - 23:00: After party
23:00: End of event

Included in the participation fee:

Extensive catering at the finish
- Note! No disposable plastic cups available, bring your own drinking cup!
Hot meal after arrival
Souvenir
Insurance
Tracker rental
Sports bag storage
Use of changing rooms and showers