Creative Wheelbarrows Race Through Balen in Annual Competition

Balen, Belgium, hosted its 5th annual Kruier-Kruiwagenrace on Saturday, a unique event where 35 teams competed in a 4-kilometer race using specially constructed wheelbarrows. The event, held at the De Bleukens sports park, drew an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 spectators, highlighting its growing popularity.

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We are already busy with the preparations for the course since October.

Mede-organisator Wieter Mariën noted the event's consistent growth, with 35 teams registering this year without extensive advertising, a significant increase from the 20-25 teams in previous years. Participants faced various obstacles throughout the course, with the water hazard being particularly challenging. A children's course also allowed younger participants to race with their own decorated wheelbarrows.

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The event attracts between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors.

Strict regulations governed the wheelbarrows, which had to meet specific weight criteria: 70 kilograms for a two-man team, 60 kilograms for a male-female pair, and 50 kilograms for a two-woman team. These were checked before and after the race. The creative design of the wheelbarrows was also a key element, with teams required to build a 'tower' on their vehicle. While historically this meant a church tower, the rules have since been relaxed to allow for more imaginative interpretations.

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It is the 5th time we are organizing it. We are growing every year.

One notable entry was a 'chameleon' themed wheelbarrow, created by Lucas and Ben from Westmeerbeek. They explained it was an ode to a local brewery, Den Hopperd. This was not their first wheelbarrow race, having competed seven times in Ramsel. Despite the heat, they enjoyed the Balen course, managing to overtake eight teams and appreciating the planned rest break. The duo concluded their day with a celebratory beer.

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For a duo with 2 men, the vehicle must weigh 70 kilos. For a man and woman it is 60 kilos, and for 2 women 50 kilos.