Welcome to Our Seventh Newsletter

Dear clubs and members,

After a strong start to the season, one thing is clear: May = competition month!

In this edition, we look back at the Belgian Short Course Championship at De Sportstal and look ahead to the Invictus weekend (Belgian Championship Standard & 1st league race).

We also cover the Belgian Team Race and the 2nd league competition in Houtland.

Finally, we take an international look at the European Championships in Spain.

In short: a newsletter fully dedicated to competition, both national and international.

We wish all athletes the best of luck and look forward to seeing many of you at the start line!

Sporting regards,

The BOCRF Board

Belgian Short Course Championship 2026 @ De Sportstal

What a fantastic edition of the Belgian Short Course Championship! De Sportstal delivered a challenging, technical, and perfectly organized course where athletes of all ages could fully push themselves.

The atmosphere was great, participation was strong, and the level of competition was high. From the youngest categories to the oldest athletes, we saw commitment, determination, and above all a great passion for our sport. This championship once again confirms how strongly OCR is growing in Belgium.

A big congratulations to all athletes who took part! You made this day a true sporting highlight.

We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to De Sportstal for the excellent organization, and to all marshals and volunteers who made this event possible.

Without you, no competition!

Photos from this edition can be found on our Facebook page in the album: “BK Short Course 2026 @ De Sportstal”

Be sure to take a look and relive this great day!

Analysis of the Results

The figures show several interesting trends across the different age categories:

Strong performances in the youngest categories

Both boys and girls show high success rates in the youngest age groups (up to ±10 years), with even two age groups reaching 100%. This indicates an accessible entry level and a positive competition experience for young athletes.

More variation in the teenage categories (11–14 years)

In these categories, we see more variation in results, with lower success rates for both boys (37.5% and 45%) and girls (up to 50%). This can be linked to a transition phase where differences in experience, technique, and the influx of new athletes play a larger role.

More stable performances in 15–18 years

From the older youth categories onward, we again see a more consistent completion rate, with girls even reaching 100% again in the 15–16 category. This may be related to increased experience and competition routine.

Strong but variable performances among adults

Among men, success rates are usually between 50% and 70%, with some outliers.
Among women, there is greater variation, with both 100% scores and some categories with no finishes. This may partly be related to smaller participation numbers and differences in course layout per category.

Conclusion

The Belgian Short Course Championship 2026 was not only an organizational success but also provided a clear picture of the evolution within our sport: a strong youth system and a diverse, competitive field, where athletes at different levels are challenged and stimulated.

Results & Qualification Points 2027

The results of the Belgian Short Course Championship, together with the first competitions in the Netherlands, are now available on our website. These will be continuously updated after each race so everyone can follow the rankings and qualification points throughout the season.

To ensure everything is interpreted correctly, here is an overview of the points system used:

Youth

Within youth categories, rankings are determined per age group. The winner of each category receives the maximum number of points. Other athletes are ranked within their own age group.

Adults

Among adults, rankings are calculated across all age groups. The maximum score goes to the fastest athlete (male/female) of the race.

The points of the other athletes are then determined based on their finish time relative to this fastest time, regardless of their age group.

This system ensures that youth performances are evaluated per age category, while overall race performance is central for adults.

The accumulated points also play an important role in selection for international championships in 2027.

Consult the full results and standings via our website: Results & qualifications

Invictus Weekend

Belgian OCR Standard Championship – May 9

On May 9, the Belgian OCR Championship will take place. This is the key event for athletes who want to compete on a challenging and technical course.

League Race – May 10

The day after, on May 10, the first Short Course (±4 km) race of the Belgian OCR League 2026 will take place. Ideal for those who prefer a shorter but still challenging race.

Family Run

For those less focused on competition, there is also a Family Run.

An accessible and fun experience for young and old, where enjoyment is central.

You can also use the Family Run to test the obstacle course.

We recommend registering in advance to facilitate organization.

Course Training – Monday May 4

Training sessions will be organized on the course itself, allowing participants to practice obstacles:

7–9 years → 17:30 – 18:30
10–12 years → 18:40 – 19:40
13–16 years & 17+ → 19:50 – 20:50

During these sessions, a bootcamp/workout will also be offered for those looking for an alternative to obstacle training.

Practical

Registration on site
Payment via Payconiq only
Price indication: €9–10 (children & adults)

Volunteers Needed

We are still looking for marshals and volunteers to help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Interested in being part of the organization? Let us know!

Belgian Team Championship

Together Strong to the Finish!

On Sunday, May 17, the Belgian Team Championship will take place during the Klimber Obstacle Run.

In this “Klimber Challenge for Teams,” teams of three compete against each other on a challenging and varied obstacle course.

The concept is entirely focused on teamwork. Each team consists of:

a strength athlete
a speed specialist
a technical athlete

Each participant first completes an individual lap, followed by a decisive team lap. Only through strong collaboration can you reach the finish and compete for the Belgian title.

With a course of approximately 4 km and numerous obstacles combining strength, technique, and endurance, this is far from a standard running race.

The championship is open to everyone: kids, youth, and adults, with different categories so each team can compete at its own level.

OCR Houtland – 2nd League Race

Competing for Points and Prestige

One week after the Team Championship, on Sunday, May 24, the competition continues with another round of the Belgian OCR League.

During this race, individual athletes compete on a technical and challenging obstacle course, where speed, strength, and efficiency are key.

The League is the place for athletes who want to measure themselves against others and collect ranking points.

Every second counts. Every obstacle makes the difference.

Whether you aim for top performance or want to push your personal limits, this race promises another exciting sporting battle.

Our obstacles have been named after many of our volunteers. Thanks to their continued support, we may soon need an even larger course to give every volunteer their own obstacle.

Registration is still open.

European Championships Spain

At the end of May, the OCR European Championships will take place in Spain.

A major highlight on the international calendar, where Belgian athletes will compete against Europe’s best.

Preparations are in full swing and excitement is building.

For those still hesitating: registration closes on April 30, 2026 at 23:59.

If you have not registered yet, now is the time. This also applies to teams.

We strongly recommend that all participants carefully review the rulebook, which clearly explains all obstacles and their correct execution.

The event schedule is also available via the official website.

There is also a possibility of organizing a course walk on Wednesday, May 27 in the early afternoon (to be confirmed).

Do you need an absence certificate for school or work? Request it via: leyla@belgianocr.be

To all athletes traveling to Spain: good luck and enjoy!

We look forward to seeing your performances and hopefully bringing home some great results—and maybe even medals.

Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners

Our federation continues to grow thanks to the support of our sponsors and partners. These collaborations allow us to offer additional benefits to our members.

KLIMBER

BOCRF members receive a 7.5% discount on equipment and gear.

SANAS

Through our partnership with Sanas:

40% discount via group purchase (from €200)
20% discount via direct purchase with code BELGIANOCR20

6D Sports Nutrition

Group purchases:

30% discount from €750
40% discount from €1500
Current total: €407 — €350 more needed to reach 30%

We continue to actively search for new partners and sponsors.

Together, we are building a strong, professional, and future-oriented OCR structure in Belgium.

Thank you for reading!