Sunday Vacations Brussels®

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together

Thinking about joining the 20km of Brussels on May 31st… but don’t want to train alone?

👉 Join our after-work training group and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere.

Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — you’re welcome.

## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May)

We train twice a week after work:

### 🔵 Once per week – Easy Social Run

👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group

### 🟣 Once per week – Long Run (Main Session)

*Distance increases every week

• Structured pace groups

👉 This is the key session to prepare for the 20km

## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups)

To keep things simple, we use the official 20km Brussels pacemaker system:

*🟠 Beginner (≈ 2h15)
Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish

• 🟣 Steady (≈ 2h00)
  Comfortable and regular pace

*🟢 Intermediate (≈ 1h45)
Faster group for those who want a challenge

👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime.

## 📊 Long Run Progression

We gradually build up to the race:

6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥

• lighter week before the race

## 🏁 Goal

📅 Sunday 31 May 2026
🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together

## 💡 What to expect

*Friendly, international group 🌍

• No one left behind
  *Natural pace groups
• Motivating and social vibe

👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together.

## ☕ After the run

Optional drink or snack —
because it’s also about meeting people and having fun

## ⚠️ Practical info

*Bring water

• Wear proper running shoes
  *Join at your own responsibility
• Beginners welcome

## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations

We are a Brussels-based community organizing social activities, hikes, and trips.

👉 This training is part of our mission:
bringing people together through shared experiences

## 🔗 Participation

To join, a Sunday Vacations membership is required:

*Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee

• Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee
  *Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks

Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at Aksum Coffee House, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony.

This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors.

### 📍 Where?

**Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert
(Just a few steps from Grand Place)

### 🕚 When?

Saturday at 11:30 AM
Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle!

### 🍽️ What’s on the menu?

☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee
🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries
🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too)

🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter.

### 👋 Who’s joining?

Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect.

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🧡 Limited spots – RSVP early to secure your place at the table.

Join us for one of the most beautiful and underrated hikes in Belgium — a stunning adventure through the Furfooz Nature Reserve and the Lesse Valley, starting directly from the train station.

This is a perfect nature escape from Brussels — no car needed 🚆

## 🥾 The Experience

We’ll follow a **~14–15 km loop hike (4–5 hours) **through:

• 🌿 The** Furfooz Natural Park **(protected reserve)
• 🪨 Limestone cliffs with panoramic views over the Lesse
• 🕳️ Prehistoric caves and unique rock formations
• 🏰 The spectacular** Walzin Castle**, perched dramatically on a cliff
• 🌳 Forest trails, riverside paths & scenic viewpoints

👉 The route is** moderate (332m elevation) **— expect some climbs, but very rewarding views.

## 🚆 Easy Access (No Car Needed)

We’ll take the train from Brussels to:

📍** Gendron-Celles station**

👉 From there, the hike starts directly — we’ll follow the Lesse river and head toward Furfooz and Walzin.

💡 The route is well marked and follows a mix of forest paths and scenic trails along the river.

A** WhatsApp group **will be created to coordinate:

• Train timing
• Meeting point at the station
• Live updates on the day

## 🍻 Optional stop

If timing allows, we may stop for:

• 🍺 A drink along the way
• Or after the hike in the area

(Depending on group pace and timing)

## 💰 Costs

• 🌿 Entrance to Furfooz Reserve:** €6 **(paid directly on-site)

• 🧭 Sunday Vacations organising fee:

• Explorer:** €5**

• Voyager / Ambassador:** FREE **(use your code)

• 🚆 Train ticket: at your own expense

## ⚠️ Important

• ❌ Dogs not allowed in the reserve
• 🥾 Good hiking shoes required
• ⚠️ Moderate level — not suitable for very low fitness
• ⏱️ We keep a group pace (not a race, not too slow)

## 📍 Logistics

• Departure: morning from Brussels
• Meeting point:** Shuman Train Station**
• Return: late afternoon / early evening

👉 Full details shared in the** WhatsApp group**

## 🎟️ Participation

Most Sunday Vacations events are** members-only**.