Ultrarunner Karel Sabbe halts Hexa Track attempt due to stomach issues, plans to continue Friday

Ultrarunner Karel Sabbe has been forced to pause his attempt to break the Hexa Track record due to a stomach and intestinal infection. The 3,034-kilometer route traverses mountainous terrain, primarily in France.

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I filter all the water I drink, but this can still happen.

Sabbe suspects contaminated water is the cause, despite filtering all his drinking water. He has taken refuge in a mountain hut to rest before continuing. The infection significantly impacted his progress on Thursday, reducing his completed distance to half of the planned 90 kilometers.

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It has an impact on the record attempt, but a setback like this is normal for a major undertaking.

Despite the setback, Sabbe's entourage remains optimistic. "A setback like this is normal for a major undertaking," said Henri, a frequent member of Sabbe's support team. He added that Sabbe's sister-in-law, a doctor, has provided medication and expects him to resume running on Friday.

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His sister-in-law, who is a doctor, gave him medication and said he can normally continue on Friday.

Sabbe has completed nearly a third of the route, which he aims to finish in 33 days. The current unofficial record stands at 42 days, 4 hours, and 23 minutes. Henri is confident that the physical challenge will not deter Sabbe mentally, stating, "He will go at it again tomorrow. He doesn't just think about giving up."

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He will go at it again tomorrow. He doesn't just think about giving up.