Belgian ultra runner Hilde Dosogne reached a remarkable milestone by completing her 366th consecutive marathon in Ghent, Belgium, marking the end of a year-long endeavor that puts her on the brink of achieving a Guinness World Record.
As 2024 drew to a close, Hilde Dosogne crossed the finish line, having run a marathon each day of the year. Despite the immense physical and mental challenges, she persevered, showcasing incredible resilience and determination. “I’m glad it’s over,” Dosogne expressed, reflecting on her grueling journey that included dealing with the flu, COVID, crashes, and injuries, such as bursitis and blisters.
Dosogne’s relentless effort extended beyond personal achievement as she raised approximately 60,000 euros ($62,438) for breast cancer research. Her daily routine required meticulous recording of GPS data, photos, video evidence, and witness testimonies to meet Guinness World Records’ strict criteria. The confirmation of her record attempt is anticipated in about three months.
Should Guinness confirm her record, Dosogne will be the only woman to hold this title, surpassing the previous record of 150 consecutive marathon days set by Erchana Murray-Bartlett from Australia. This would place her alongside Hugo Farias from Brazil, who holds the male record of 366 days.
Throughout her endeavor, Dosogne maintained a strategy that involved running on a consistent loop near Ghent. Despite battling challenging weather conditions, including a strong headwind, she ensured her runs slightly exceeded the marathon distance to satisfy record requirements. Even with this meticulousness, she admits the mental strain was significant and advises against others attempting such feats for health purposes.
Aside from her running skills, Dosogne balanced her commitments as a bio-engineer, beginning her workdays early to run each afternoon. Her marathon pace, a steady 10 kilometers per hour, not only accommodated her physical capacity but also allowed friends and supporters to join her.
The support of her family, including her marathon-running husband and sports-inclined children, played a vital role in her achievement. Her daughter Lucie recalls a particular incident when Dosogne faced a potential setback after dislocating a finger. “She started from scratch again,” Lucie recounts, highlighting her mother’s unyielding spirit.
Despite her notable accomplishment, Dosogne remains modest, focusing on personal growth over glorification. She advocates for determination rather than using her feat as a paradigm for healthy living.
After a brief rest, Dosogne plans to participate in the Spartathlon in Greece, another ambitious race that signals her ongoing passion for endurance running.
Hilde Dosogne’s year-long marathon journey stands as a testament to her extraordinary perseverance and commitment. While awaiting official recognition from Guinness, her story inspires admiration for her personal drive and her charitable contributions toward breast cancer research.
Source: Local10
