Ultra Trail Kempen 160km: Belgium's Flat Ultra That Sells Out Every Year

Extremely flat. The course covers 160km with approximately 357m of total elevation gain — 2.23 m per kilometre. There is no meaningful climbing; any elevation change comes from bridge crossings or minor embankments. For comparison, the Autumn 100 (one of the flattest 100-mile races in the DTR database) accumulates more than four times as much gain per kilometre. The challenge on the UTK 160km is not gradient — it is pacing, time-on-feet, sleep management, and late-autumn conditions.

Yes — the 2026 edition sold out and operates a waiting list as of May 2026. The race fills quickly; check ultra-trail-kempen.be early for future edition registration windows. No mandatory processing fee is added on top of the €130 entry fee.

€130 entry — €0.81 per kilometre. For a 160km race that consistently sells out, this is exceptional value. No mandatory processing fees on top of the registration fee (though bank/payment method fees may apply).

October 31 – November 1, 2026 — the race starts on Halloween evening from Sporthal Mintjens in Malle, Antwerp Province, Belgium. Runners face significant darkness throughout the course in late-autumn Belgian conditions.

Antwerp Airport (ANR) is approximately 36 minutes from Malle by road — the closest option. Brussels Airport (BRU) and Eindhoven Airport (EIN) are both approximately 1–1.5 hours by road. Public transport from Antwerp city centre takes approximately 70–80 minutes by bus. Accommodation is easiest to find in Antwerp city; options in the small Kempen towns around Malle are limited.