Originally, the 41st edition of the KBC Nacht was scheduled to take place on Saturday 4th July, but the corona crisis prevented the grand top sports event from going ahead on that day. Nevertheless, it will be possible to organise the KBC Nacht on Sunday 6th September, even though it will be without an audience. “Safety is our absolute priority”, emphasises Meeting Director Marc Corstjens. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 evolution and our organisation is strictly complying with the current measures issued by the various authorities and protocols issued by the Athletics Federation.”
“So it will be an extraordinary KBC Nacht this year when it comes to everything outside of the competition, but when it comes to the competition itself we want to maintain the original, successful format of the meeting, with a well-balanced main event and closing programme and youth races in the opening programme”, clarifies Corstjens additionally. “The main programme, which will take place late afternoon and early evening, will be, as tradition dictates, focused on the best Belgian athletes. Once again, they will be able to compete with a strong international contingent of participants.”
Headline sponsor KBC stays loyal to the meeting and KBC Nacht can also count on the full-fledged support of Sport Vlaanderen and the municipality of Heusden-Zolder. “We are delighted that the KBC Nacht is able to go ahead next month, even though this has been a truly difficult year due to the corona crisis”, says mayor Mario Borremans. “The municipality of Heusden-Zolder will throw its full support behind the organisation of this top sports event that is steeped in tradition.”
COUCKUYT: ‘THE KBC NACHT IS A CLASSIC’
It goes without saying that the athletes are also looking forward to 6th September. After the recent difficult few months, they also want to give it their all. “The KBC Nacht is a classic event on the calendar. I am pleased that the meeting is going ahead this year after all”, says Paulien Couckuyt, European U23 Champion 400m hurdles. Elise Vanderelst echoes that sentiment. “I am delighted to be invited to run in Heusden-Zolder and my dream is to break the Belgian 1,500m-record. That would make this extraordinary year completely unforgettable!”
Elliot Crestan, good for the 800m bronze at the Athletics World Junior Championships two years ago, is craving some competition. “I am happy at the prospect. Going for a sports training camp was out of the question due to the corona crisis, but we have revved up the number of training sessions considerably over the previous few weeks to get in shape for the first competitions. I am hoping to be able to perform at my highest level at the KBC Nacht!” Just like Crestan, hurdler Michael Obasuyi will also appear poised at the start line on 6th September. “I have continued to train hard and am hoping to give it my best in Heusden-Zolder”, says Obasuyi, who came fourth in the 110m hurdles at the Athletics World Junior Championships in 2018.
