De FERREmen Dottertrail
On Sunday, November 15, 2026, the first edition of the FERREmen Dottertrail will take place in Den Dotter, a beautiful and rolling nature reserve located between the residential areas of Haaltert, Kerksken, Heldergem, and Aaigem.
Den Dotter is named after the Dotterbloem (marigold), which thrives there thanks to the wet, nutrient-rich soil and the oxygen-rich water that flows through the winding Molenbeek and numerous other places. If the weather is good, we promise you some wonderfully soggy mud patches under your trail shoes. But do not be afraid, the vast majority of the magnificent countryside and nature paths we offer will remain very walkable even in wet conditions.
Our race is named after Ferre. Ferre, a cheerful boy, left us too soon at the age of 7 in July 2025. After Ferre underwent surgery for a brain tumor in June 2025, fate struck just a month later. Ferre lost his life due to a fatal brain hemorrhage. To continue to commemorate him, we are organizing this FERREmen dottertrail. FERREmen, to be read as "fermen" (strong). Ferre was a strong fellow, loved by young and old. Ferre will be the common thread throughout this competition. The race will start and finish at the school in Haaltert, De Krekel, where Ferre went to school.
Our proceeds will primarily go to two departments of the UZ Gent that took such good care of Ferre: the pediatric oncology department via the children's cancer fund and the PICU UZ Gent (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). In addition, we also want to support the primary school De Krekel through our income. Finally, we also want to give a boost to the local branch of Natuurpunt as a token of appreciation for the way they maintain and manage this beautiful piece of nature reserve, which we ourselves have enjoyed for so many hours.
We hope to welcome you on November 15th in Ferre's name and are sure that we can introduce you to a beautiful piece of nature in the Dender region.
Distances:
- 7 km (also for walkers)
- 15 km (also for walkers)
- 22 km
- 32 km
On this page, you will soon find practical information for this competition. Sporty trail greetings from the Ferreteam!
Program:
- 09:00: start 22 km and 32 km
- 10:15: start 15 km
- 11:15: start 7 km
- Walkers for the 7 km can start between 09:05 - 09:30 and between 11:20 - 11:45.
- Walkers for the 15 km can start between 10:20 - 10:45!
ON-SITE REGISTRATION IS POSSIBLE UP TO 1 HOUR BEFORE THE START!
Pricing:
| Distance | 7 km | 15 km | 22 km | 32 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early bird (01/03 – 30/06) | 10 euro | 15 euro | 20 euro | 25 euro |
| Pre-sale (01/07 – 08/11) | 13 euro | 18 euro | 23 euro | 28 euro |
| At the counter | 15 euro | 20 euro | 25 euro | 30 euro |
What is included?
- Start number with timing
- Marked and extensively tested course
- Refreshments: 1 for the 15 km, 2 for the 22 and 32 km
- Something to nibble on in the finish zone
WALKING IS FREE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 years.
Course:
The courses will be available a few days before the race.
Practical Information:
Race site address: Kattestraat 22, 9450 Haaltert
Registrations open from 8 AM.
Changing rooms provided.