The 24 Hour Run: A Mad Dash for Glory and a CPR Crash Course
Welcome, dear readers! Let’s talk about a peculiar little event that’s got the students at KU Leuven running around like headless chickens—mostly because they’re aiming for glory in a vibrant, chaotic marathon known as the 24 Hour Run. Now, I don’t mean to alarm you, but it seems they’ve turned the Sportkot into a mini Walt Disney world for athletes and foodies alike. Yes, there are food stands! My kind of event!
Thibault Vlems, the main organizer (as if there’s no such thing as an under-staffed committee during student events), declares that this isn’t just any run; it’s *the* legendary event everyone’s been whispering about in the dining halls. And why? Because it’s a mad spectacle of athletic prowess and sideline shenanigans. Cheerleaders will be yelling their lungs out, and you can even tune in from your room or class via livestream—what a time to be alive! I mean, who needs to actually suffer on the track when you can cheer from your bed, right?
Everyone is Warmed Up
Let’s talk about training—18 teams have been sweating it out, perfecting their relay exchanges and interval runs. They’ve been making the track their second home, which is great news for the local sofa companies. Meanwhile, the supporters are not just waving pom-poms; they’ve been caught rehearsing their chants! Imagine that—commitment levels so high that even cheerleaders are sweating for a spot of glory.
24 Hours of CPR
Now, here’s where things get really interesting—along with running, this year, participants will embrace the life-saving benefits of resuscitation. That’s right, forget the typically mundane first aid classes; it’s 24 hours of heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled CPR knowledge. With the project “From Bystander to Hero,” the medical students are set to show everyone how to perform cardiac resuscitation like a pro.
Prof. Dr. Marc Sabbe, a real-life superhero without the cape, is keen on making sure students don’t just run in circles but are also prepared to bring someone back from the edge when things go pear-shaped. You have to admire the ambition! I mean, really, who wouldn’t want to save a life after finishing in the last leg of a relay race? It’s like giving yourself an Olympic gold medal while your heart’s still racing.
A Neck-and-Neck Race
Now onto the racing portion! The current champions, Apolloon, have been the royalty of this event for the past five editions, dashing and wheezing their way to victory like slightly uncoordinated gazelles. It’s not just about first place either; the tension is so thick you could slice it with a knife—the race for the middle spots is just as fierce! The competition is close enough that the supporters might as well bring binoculars. I can hear the chants: “We want third! We want third!”
A Unique Event
In summary, folks, the 24 Hour Run isn’t merely about running and cheering—it’s about camaraderie, a communal lung-busting experience like no other. As the organizer beautifully puts it, it encapsulates “sports, team spirit, and a sense of togetherness.” It’s a chaotic concoction of sweat, excitement, food, and life-saving skills. Over 20,000 students gather to revel in this madness each year, where every heart and treadmill has a story to tell. So, whether you’re running, cheering, or just critiquing the event from the sidelines, there’s only one thing that can be said—it’s a truly unforgettable experience! We might even see you there—just remember to hydrate, and maybe learn CPR for good measure.
Thanks to the collaboration with more than 40 other student organizations, the grounds at the Sportkot of KU Leuven have been converted into a vibrant event location. The numerous athletes and supporters will once again do everything they can to lead their team to victory in the running positions. In between, students can also enjoy the various side activities, food stands and artists on the main stage.
“As a student, you have heard the 24 Hour Run mentioned several times: everyone is ready for this edition of this legendary sporting event,” says Thibault Vlems, main organizer of the 24 Hour Run. “Whether you are walking along, cheering on the sidelines, or even watching at home or in class via the livestream, the atmosphere will be felt everywhere!”
Everyone is warmed up
18 participating teams have practiced hard in recent weeks to arrive at the start in top form on Tuesday evening. Interval training, long-distance running and of course perfecting the relay exchange, everything to achieve that coveted victory. Not only the runners are prepared: the supporters have also completed their supporter training, during which they have rehearsed the best songs and slogans to cheer their teams to victory.
24 hours CPR
During this edition of the 24 hour run, in addition to 24 hours of running, there will also be 24 hours of resuscitation. The project ‘From Bystander to Hero’, which is part of the celebration of 600 years of KU Leuven, will have a unique place on the slopes. Students from the faculty of medicine and employees of UZ Leuven will introduce athletes and supporters to resuscitation on lifelike practice models around the clock. For example, they want to encourage citizens to learn CPR and to become part of the Citizen Aids project (www.burgerhulpverleners.be).
This is gradually building a network of many trained citizens who can start resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest, while professional medical help is still on its way. This can increase the victim’s chance of survival.
Prof. Dr. Marc Sabbe, head of the Emergency Department at UZ Leuven and project coordinator, explains: “In the event of cardiac arrest, every second counts, so it is very important that bystanders start resuscitation immediately. I am therefore pleased with this unique opportunity to teach students such an important skill – and to do so outside the auditorium. Our goal is to have as many students as possible perform CPR for at least two minutes.”
Neck and neck race
In the past five editions, Apolloon, the circle of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences students, has consistently won. Each time with barely one or two laps difference after a bitter 24-hour battle with the students of the Faculty of Engineering. This year too it will be an exciting neck-and-neck race, not only for first place, but for the entire rankings. The Hoogmedisch Verbond always competes with Industria for fifth place, while the bio-engineering circle and Ekonomika are both aiming for a top 3 position. And so there is tension for 24 hours for every team. We don’t know yet who will win the battle this year. One thing is certain: each team will do their utmost for 24 hours to show the best of themselves.
A unique event
The 24 hour run is alive and well with every student, regardless of their studies or hobbies. “The event is entirely dedicated to sports, team spirit and a sense of togetherness. Togetherness that we can find in the entire organization, the running teams, the athletes, etc. Thanks to the voluntary efforts, we bring together more than 20,000 students every year who experience the unique want to experience the energy of the 24 hour run. The 24 hour run is a wonderful example of the ideal learning environment,” says Vlems. “Every year, hundreds of students spend months creating a new successful edition.”
Interview with Thibault Vlems, Main Organizer of the 24 Hour Run at KU Leuven
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Thibault! The 24 Hour Run sounds like a thrilling event. Can you tell us what makes this year’s edition unique?
Thibault Vlems: Absolutely! This year, we’re not just focusing on the running aspect. Along with the 24 hours of running, we’re also introducing a CPR component that we’ve titled “From Bystander to Hero.” We want to educate participants and spectators on life-saving techniques while they enjoy the race. It’s a holistic approach to community well-being—great for both the body and the mind!
Editor: That’s fantastic! How have the participants been preparing for such a marathon event?
Thibault Vlems: The enthusiasm is palpable! We have 18 teams who have been working incredibly hard to hone their relay exchanges and long-distance running capabilities. They’ve made the track their second home in the weeks leading up to the event. It’s inspiring to see the dedication not just from the runners but also from their supporters, who are practicing chants and learning how to cheer effectively.
Editor: What can attendees expect in terms of the atmosphere at the event?
Thibault Vlems: Expect a vibrant and chaotic atmosphere! The Sportkot grounds are transformed into a lively venue with food stands, music, and cheering crowds. We’ve collaborated with over 40 student organizations to make it a real community event. For anyone unable to join in-person, we’re livestreaming the event, so they can cheer from their dorm rooms or wherever they are, which helps spread the excitement even further!
Editor: It sounds like a blend of sportsmanship and entertainment! Speaking of which, who should we keep an eye on in terms of competition this year?
Thibault Vlems: Keep an eye on Apolloon, the reigning champions for the past five editions. They have a strong reputation and have been training extensively. But the competition is fierce! Many teams are vying for that top spot, and the battle for middle positions will be just as intense—it’s not merely about winning but camaraderie and creating unforgettable memories on and off the track.
Editor: Last but not least, what’s your hope for participants once they finish the event?
Thibault Vlems: My hope is that everyone walks away with a sense of achievement—having run their best and maybe picked up a new skill in CPR. We want to foster a spirit of togetherness and support. The take-home message is that each of us has the potential to be a hero, whether by cheering others on or by being prepared to help in an emergency. It’s all about making connections and memories that last a lifetime.
Editor: Thank you, Thibault! It sounds like the 24 Hour Run is going to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Good luck with the event!
Thibault Vlems: Thank you! We can’t wait to see everyone there!
Ort, community, and education! With so much going on, what is your overarching goal for this event?
Thibault Vlems: Our main goal is to foster camaraderie and a sense of togetherness among the students. We want everyone to feel included, whether they’re running, cheering, or learning CPR. It’s not just about winning; it’s about creating memories and instilling vital life skills in our community. We also hope that by teaching CPR during the event, we can empower students to take on an active role in safety, making them true heroes in everyday life.
Editor: That’s a powerful message. what would you say to those who are on the fence about attending or participating in the run?
Thibault Vlems: I would say, don’t hesitate! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just want to soak in the atmosphere, this event is for everyone. Bring your friends, join the cheers, or even learn some life-saving skills. It’s a unique opportunity to be part of something bigger while having a blast. Plus, you don’t want to miss the incredible energy and community spirit that the 24 Hour Run embodies. It’s truly an unforgettable experience!
Editor: Thank you, Thibault, for sharing your insights! We wish you and all the participants the best of luck for the upcoming 24 Hour Run.
Thibault Vlems: Thank you! We can’t wait to see everyone there!
