'Fun & Skills'
Various fun navigation challenges will guide you for 6 hours along the most beautiful routes and locations in the region. Make tactical choices. Discovered checkpoints earn you scoring points for the Topotrail ranking!
Tip: Get your advantage!
Book your Topotrail before March, a piece of the map in advance, will put you in charge.
An advantage for the quick ones. Then you already know which map to study... Valid until March 1, 2026.
A 'Topotrail', how does that work again?
Max 6h time
24 checkpoints to find
The checkpoints are divided into series with different types of assignments.
Discovered checkpoints earn you ranking points. Think tactically and be sure to grab the bonus points along the way, but watch out for penalty points...
Physical challenge
Fun
Navigation skills
Accessible to all levels
Lost your bearings? We'll give you a helping hand.
The Topotrail race is accessible to all levels
Fun dominates and is more important than winning. You can't lose, but you can learn a lot.
Maps used
Your Topotrail adventure in the 'Pajottenland'
The Pajottenland (near the border with the Flemish Ardennes) is made for exercise. Rolling hills, some challenging climbs, endless green vistas, sunken lanes, and quiet villages create the perfect backdrop for a fantastic running and walking experience.
Discover an authentic landscape brimming with character, with cobblestones, rural paths, and surprising elevation changes. An experience in the heart of one of Flanders' most beautiful regions.
What you need to prepare and bring
Your own running equipment and Personal snacks
(shoes, backpack, clothing, etc.)
Mandatory equipment
(basic first aid kit, emergency blanket, waterproof & warm clothes...)
Useful but not mandatory: navigation tools to find your way (compass, ruler, ...). GPS and smart watches not allowed.
Your own accident insurance. The organization is not responsible for accidents during the race.
Kris De Bondt
Ik had geen idee wat te verwachten van de Checkpoint Challenge. Geen specifieke voorbereiding of ambitie, dus het was des te meer genieten. Top-ervaring, geweldig team, aanrader!
Bart Vanden Bosch
6 uur lang crossen door de bossen, gewapend met een koplamp, kaart en kompas op zoek naar checkpunten. Wat doet een mens anders op een koude, donkere zondagmorgen?
What type of assignments await you?
Point-2-Point
Determine 1 point on the map via navigation riddle. Find this point in the surrounding area. There you'll get the instructions to the next point.
Instructions
Follow carefully a list of navigational instructions that lead you along paths and roads. You'll find some checkpoints along the way, exactly on this route.
Multipoint
Determine checkpoints on a topographic map via navigation riddles. Have them checked by race directors, and go find them in the surrounding area.
OroHydro
Can you pinpoint a checkpoint location using only contour lines and waterways? No paths, buildings, or vegetation...
Route
Follow exactly a route drawn on a map. Find some checkpoints along the way, exactly on this route.
Satellite
Find checkpoints in nature marked on a satellite image of the area. Compare the image with your topo map.
Supported by:
Race scheme & Regulations
Hours subject to change.
Trailrunners
08.30u - Registration
09.30u - Briefing
10.00u - Map & Start
16.00u - End of race
Food & Drink afterparty
16.30u - Podium
Walk
08.30u - Registration
09.30u - Briefing
10.15u - Map & Start
16.15u - End of race
Food & Drink afterparty
16.45u - Podium
Frequently asked questions
General
What exactly is a navigation contest?
A navigation competition combines running or walking with map reading and orientation in nature. You don't follow a fixed course, but choose your own route using a map (and sometimes a compass) to locate checkpoints. This makes each competition unique and adventurous.
General
What characterizes the atmosphere at DE24 matches?
Friendly, respectful, and connecting. You'll share the experience with like-minded people who love nature, challenge, and being outdoors together. Whether you come to win, learn, or just enjoy yourself: everyone is included.
General
Can I participate as a walker, or is it only for runners?
Absolutely. Runners and walkers are welcome. Many formats are perfectly suited for walking, alone or in groups. It's all about navigation, making choices, and enjoying the surroundings – not just about speed.
General
What level are these competitions suitable for?
For all levels. You decide how technical, athletic, or relaxed you want to be. Some participants focus on performance and strategy, others on experience, nature, and fun. There's no "right" way to participate.
General
Do I have to be competitive to participate?
No. Competition is optional. Many participants join for the adventure, the scenery, and the camaraderie. There's no pressure, no mass start, and no set pace. You choose how intensely you experience it.
General
Should we actually run or walk the entire race?
No. You have 6, 12, or 24 hours total. Within that time, you decide how much effort you want to put in. Running, walking, taking a break, or enjoying the view from a bench...
Team constitution
Can we form a team of 3 or more?
We allow teams of one or two people to register. If you'd like to form a team of three, you can, provided you're excluded from the final rankings. This way, we keep the rankings fair for everyone (a team of three has more navigation advantages), but we also don't want to detract from the fun of participating. Please let us know if you'd like to do so.
Team constitution
Can young people or children participate?
Young people under 18 can participate if they are part of a team with at least one responsible adult. Please note that the impact of such a long-term effort is greater for young people. We recommend only participating in 12- or 6-hour competitions.
Team constitution
Can I bring my dog to the competition?
As long as the dog doesn't have a nose for finding checkpoints, your four-legged friend is more than welcome to come along for the run.
Team constitution
Is participation possible in a group or with family?
Yes. You can participate solo or with friends, colleagues, or family. Navigating together makes it extra fun and accessible. Mixed levels also work well: everyone contributes in their own way.
Navigation
Can I use a watch, GPS or mobile phone for navigation purpose ?
No, our competitions are essentially about navigating without digital tools. GPS devices are not permitted. Smartwatches may be worn if they can function in "Adventure mode." Cell phones may only be used for taking fun photos.
Navigation
Do I need experience with map reading or orientation?
No. Our competitions are accessible for beginners and challenging for experienced participants. You'll always receive a clear map, pre-training instructions, and the freedom to tackle the competition at your own pace. Many participants participate in their first navigation competition at DE24.
Navigation
Do I need to be able to work with a compass?
Yes, definitely. In the Topotrail there are specific challenges where being able to determine direction—either on the map or in the terrain—is necessary to complete the task. Of course, there are also many challenges where using a compass is not required. Having just one person in your team who knows how to use a compass is perfectly sufficient.
Navigation
What if I make mistakes or miss checkpoints along the way?
That’s all part of it. Navigation is about learning by doing. You’re allowed to make mistakes, take detours, and adjust along the way. It’s not about perfection, but about experience, insight, and enjoyment.
Navigation
Are the checkpoints clearly visible?
The checkpoints are always located along accessible paths, and each checkpoint is provided with a brief description (e.g. “confluence of a stream” or “small bridge”).
Basecamp
Can I stay overnight at Basecamp?
No, we do not provide overnight accommodation on the Topotrail.
Gear
What equipment do I need?
You'll especially need good shoes, appropriate clothing, and an open mind. Maps and race information will be provided. A compass is sometimes helpful, but not always necessary – this is always clearly stated. Sometime before the event, you'll also receive a briefing that explains everything in more detail.
General
How do I register ?
All registrations are handled via the Njuko registration platform. During registration, you select the desired race and team format (solo/duo), and you can immediately complete your payment securely online. Simple, right! Njuko is a recognized and trusted platform within the running community.
NEED EQUIPMENT?
We sell and rent out top quality navigation equipment from the Swedish brand Silva
with interesting prices
Silva Ranger 3
compass
30€ (incl. VAT)
Silva folder case
A4
25€ (incl. VAT)