'Micromen' Willy and Gunter ready for Death March in Bornem: 'In 4 languages with ChatGPT'

In Bornem, Belgium, Willy De Clercq and Gunter Michiels are familiar faces at the annual Dodentocht, or Death March. Stationed in a large tent, they handle crucial logistical tasks, from directing participants on where to store their luggage to managing traffic by asking drivers to move improperly parked cars. This year, their role includes a significant emphasis on reminding walkers to stay hydrated.

“

And that in 4 languages

What sets their operation apart is their multilingual approach. "And that in 4 languages," they proudly state. While they previously relied on official translators, Gunter has now enlisted ChatGPT to help craft and "make our messages a bit more cheerful." Willy expresses hope that the Dutch and English translations are accurate, but admits with a laugh, "We are not so sure about the French and German." They plan to gauge the effectiveness of their automated translations throughout the event.

“

Now Gunter has done some translations with ChatGPT and made our messages a bit more cheerful

While Willy has never undertaken the grueling 100-kilometer walk himself, Gunter is a seasoned participant. He completed the march three times in his youth, but a muscle tear near the finish line during his last attempt led him to his current role. "And then I ended up here," he says with a smile, reflecting on his transition from walker to information provider.

“

We are not so sure about the French and German. We'll see today and tomorrow, for sure!

Their duties extend to managing the event's atmosphere, especially as the evening progresses. "We stay on post until about midnight," Gunter explains. "Then we give the residents and visitors their night's rest. The music also gets quieter and eventually turns off." They continue to provide essential messages to the remaining participants and visitors until the last walkers pass through the town. Occasionally, they receive unusual requests, like one instance where a woman asked them to announce a lost dog, a request Willy humorously noted might be difficult for the dog to understand.

“

And then I ended up here