On Saturday 18 July, the 47th edition of the KBC Night of Athletics will take place at the De Veen stadium in Heusden-Zolder. Highlights will include Rani Rosius, Noor Vidts and Paulien Couckuyt, who is attempting a special record-breaking feat. Admission is free. The KBC Nacht is set to remain in Heusden-Zolder until at least 2031, as organiser Golazo, Atletiek Vereniging Toekomst (AVT) and the municipality of Heusden-Zolder have extended their agreement for five years.
Since 2001, Stadium De Veen has been the home of the KBC Nacht, and this will remain the case until at least 2031.
Mario Borremans, Mayor of Heusden-Zolder: “The KBC Night of Athletics has been a flagship event for Heusden-Zolder for many years. It is fantastic to see how this meeting combines top-level international sport with a warm, welcoming atmosphere for young and old alike. The fact that we will be able to continue to host this event in our municipality until at least 2031 confirms the strong bond between the KBC Nacht and Heusden-Zolder. We look forward to welcoming thousands of sports fans once again to De Veen Athletics Stadium.”
Belgian record
The 47th edition promises once again to be a great athletics celebration. Numerous top Belgian athletes have already confirmed their attendance. Limburg’s pride, Rani Rosius, aims to shine in the 100 metres, whilst heptathlete Noor Vidts will compete in the 100 metres hurdles. Paulien Couckuyt, a specialist in the 400-metre hurdles, will take on a spectacular 300-metre hurdles for the occasion, aiming to set a Belgian record at this unusual distance
Jochem Vermeulen (1500m), Thomas Vanoppen (5000m), Timothy Herman (javelin) and Elien Vekemans (pole vault) will also be making an appearance at the KBC Nacht on 18 July. For many Belgian athletes, the meeting is traditionally an ideal opportunity to run, jump or throw the qualifying standard for a major championship, with the loud vocal support of the home crowd. This year, the KBC Nacht could serve as a stepping stone to the European Championships in Birmingham or the U20 World Championships in Oregon in August.
Wavelight
Again, this year, spectators can also look forward to the presence of Wavelight, an advanced system in which LED lights on the inner edge of the track indicate a constant pace. This gives athletes live visual feedback on their position relative to a set target pace – for example, the pace for a championship qualifying standard or a meeting record. The result? Consistent lap times, smart pacing and an extra push towards fast times. And the crowd can immediately see if a runner is ‘on course’. That makes following the races more exciting than ever.
Free admission
The main programme of the 47th KBC Nacht starts at 6.30 p.m. and ends at 9.15 p.m. But it doesn’t end there, because until after 11 p.m., the so-called ‘night programme’ continues with national 500-metre races. The preliminary programme starts at 12.30 p.m. and consists of 18 youth races in various categories. Supporters can attend all races in the preliminary, main and night programme free of charge.
