Ketskesloop Bottelare

Ketskesloop Bottelare is a small off-road running event in Bottelare, a village of Merelbeke near Ghent, Belgium. All races begin at the Visitatieschool, with a limit of 600 participants. The event includes short children’s races: a 1000 m Kidsloop and a 2000 m youth run, alongside 5 km, 11 km, and 10 miles for older participants. The name derives from the local term “Ketskes,” referring to the quiet, unpaved paths around Bottelare. The course follows these tracks through fields, meadows, and the Gentbos, offering a countryside run rather than a road race. Gezinsbond Bottelare organizes the event with local youth groups. Pre-registration is mandatory, water is available on the longer routes, and there are no showers at the venue.