Mijnentocht 2026

Mijnentocht is a winter trail race in Limburg, Belgium, with routes connected to Beringen and Heusden-Zolder. It is set in the old mining landscape: runners navigate slag heaps, ascend more than anticipated for this region of Flanders, and select from distances including 8 km, 16 km, a half marathon, and a route of approximately 31 km. The shorter option is a local circuit, while the longer courses traverse former mining towns instead of remaining on a single compact loop. The race utilizes the terrils for more than just scenery; they provide the course's ascents, vistas, and industrial character. The longest trail measures around 30 km with about 350 meters of elevation gain, indicating it is more than a simple flat winter run. The route's direction shifts annually, allowing the Heusden-Zolder-to-Beringen path to be reversed in subsequent editions. Local food is offered, and the event is part of the Besox Nature Trail Series, attracting runners seeking a brief winter run and those desiring a challenging trail day on mining-era terrain.