Day 289 – EU – France/Belgium [Valenciennes to Mons]

18/01/21

34km

  From Valenciennes (France) to Mons (Belgium)

Europe

Crossing into Belgium, another Covid test, no control and a short quiet run

There was only 9km to run until the border. I made a pit stop at the last French town before Belgium and went for a Covid19 test in a pharmacy. 20 minutes later, I came out with my negative certificate. I headed to the border, confident that I had done everything by the rule to enter the country. Only to find there was no control.

This is not the first time it happens. I have done many tests which were never verified. I am fine and more than happy to test for the disease – but it seems to me terrestrial borders are not subject to harsh controls as are airports. The only exception I find to this is Greece, who has remarkably managed to close all (but one) terrestrial borders. The one I crossed on foot last September towards Kulata in Bulgaria. As far as I am concerned, I would always prefer to do more tests – so as to make sure I am not carrying the disease around.

Anyway, on to Belgium I ran! I like this country which I have visited and cycled many times. I am looking forward to the week ahead, running through more legendary cities, getting to eat Belgian waffles, fries and taste some of the country’s unique and specially brewed beers. French people call Belgium “Le Plat Pays” (the flat land) and I will get to verify if that is indeed the case. I am only hoping to avoid the northerly wind which is brutally cold especially at this time of year…

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: