Record broken: Belgian Wonder Woman runs a marathon every day for a year!
Credit: Facebook, Hilde Dosogne.
Hilde Dosogne has smashed records and proven that anything’s possible- even running a marathon every single day for a whole year!
The Belgian ultra-runner crossed the finish line in Ghent on New Year’s Eve 2024, her 366th consecutive marathon, to a chorus of cheers. But don’t be fooled – despite completing the 15,444-kilometre challenge, Hilde was not completely exhausted. She said she was “glad it’s over,” but there was one final hiccup on her last run: a collision with a spectator.
Hitting the finish line – In more ways than one
After 366 days of pounding the pavement, this 55-year-old bio-engineer has not only proved her resilience but also raised a whopping €60,000 for breast cancer research. Now that’s a victory with some substance.
As she passed the finish line, her mind was already ticking over the next steps: submitting GPS data, photos, videos, and witness reports to the Guinness World Records. If all checks out, she’ll officially hold the female record for running a marathon every day for a full year – a feat that would dethrone the previous record of 150 days held by Erchana Murray-Bartlett. She’ll also join Hugo Farias, who holds the male equivalent, with 366 consecutive marathons.
The mental marathon
Running 42.5 kilometres a day isn’t for the faint of heart – especially when you’ve battled the flu, COVID-19, multiple crashes, blisters, and even bursitis. But for Hilde, the toughest part wasn’t the physical toll – it was the mental grind.
Her marathons were mostly completed on a flat loop around a lake near Ghent, where brutal headwinds proved a constant test of her endurance. To ensure every mile counted, Hilde made sure to run an extra 300 metres daily, clocking up 42.5 kilometres instead of the standard 42.195 kilometres.
Unstoppable – Even with a crooked finger
Despite facing her share of slaps from fate, Hilde never gave up. One of the most memorable moments came when she dislocated a finger during her run after 27 kilometres. But, true to her stubborn spirit, she restarted her marathon from scratch to meet the regulations – finger still crooked!
A year of pure grit – Hats off to Hilde!
For Hilde Dosogne, 2024 wasn’t just about running – it was about grit and heart.
We’ll be waiting with bated breath to see if the Guinness World Records gives her the recognition she deserves. But either way – Hilde’s legacy is set to inspire generations to come.
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