Geert van Nispen smashes the fastest time on the Camino Santiago del Norte
On World Parkinson's Day, Geert finishes his 844 kilometre walk in record time. There could not be a greater gift, as Geert is always working to raise the profile of Parkinson's disease.
Geert has been working for more than 2,960 kilometres in the legs since leaving Nijmegen on 2 January. Via the Pieterpad, the GR5 through Belgium, the Camino from Luxembourg, the GR5F, the Joan of Arc route and the GR654 through France, the GR11 and the Camino del Norte, its Quest Trail has finally brought him to Santiago de Compostela.
Fastest on the Camino del Norte
On Sunday 30 March, Geert took his first step in Irún, the starting point of this historic route along the rugged northern coast of Spain. His goal was clear: to improve the Fastest Known Time (FKT) in self-sufficient style. The actual time - 15 days and just over 3 hours - was hard to beat, but records are there to be broken.
Geert does not simply want to record a time. He runs to tell a story. A story of perseverance, of breaking boundaries, of the power of movement. Geert runs for those who can no longer do it as easily: people with Parkinson's disease.
The Camino del Norte is not an easy walk. It is a route of about 844 kilometreswith around 19,000 metres of ascent y 15,000 downhillIt challenges the pilgrim with unpredictable weather, steep slopes and endless solitude.
After days with an average of 60 kilometres per dayGeert feels stronger. He decides to push himself to the maximum, both mentally and physically. Beyond all his limits. He continues in pain, with a swollen leg, without sleep some nights, enjoying himself intensely and always moving forward. Always forward.
After 10 days, 22 hours, 36 minutes, 29 secondsGeert arrives exhausted at the square in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of all pilgrimage routes. With this feat, he breaks the previous record by more than 4 days. An extraordinary achievement that demonstrates tenacity, resilience and a dash of positive madness.
Geert's Quest Trail
The Quest Trail de Geert (https://geertvannispen.nl/geerts-quest-trail/) is a very special journey on foot to Sagres, Portugal; the "end of the world".
Armed with rucksack and tent, he joins GR, E and other short and long distance trails in the direction of Sagres, always in self-sufficient style. And don't forget the support of brands Rab and MERRELLwho make this adventure possible as their partners regular. He does this by walking along as many nature trails as possible, combining hiking and trekking, speedhiking and trail running through the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal. On the way to the place where it all ends. On the way to the end of the world.
Beyond the symbolism and adventure, there is also a touch of romance:
"The adventurer leaves home to travel more than 4,500 kilometres to the end of the world".
[9 April 2025] Geert van Nispen defies time on the Camino del Norte: 844 km against the clock
It's Wednesday and Geert van Nispen is running. It's not just any race: 844 kilometres, from Irún to Santiago de Compostela, with the Atlantic Ocean as his companion and a clock that gives no respite. His goal: to beat the Fastest Known Time (FKT) record of the Camino del Norte in style. self-supported. The current record to beat is 15 days, 3 hours and 32 minutes, set by Patrick Scheel in August 2023. Geert aims to enter Santiago tomorrow, Thursday, setting a new best known time.
Van Nispen is no stranger to such challenges. He has already achieved records in Luxembourg and on the demanding GR703 route in France. But he also knows the bitter taste of defeat, when in the Pyrenees the toughness of the GR11 forced him to abandon (we followed that attempt closely). However, far from discouraging him, that setback only increased his determination to achieve more FKTs (best known times).
The Camino del Norte is notorious for its difficulty: 19,000 metres of accumulated ascent, unpredictable weather and solitude as a constant companion. There are no long stops or moments for a quiet chat in a café; every minute counts. Geert is doing the route in self-supportedwhich means that he carries everything he needs to survive and move forward, without organised external assistance. A continuous struggle to balance weight, comfort and endurance.
But this race is more than just a personal record. Geert is running to raise awareness and support for those fighting Parkinson's, a disease that limits the ability to move. Every pain, every kilometre in solitude in the rain or cold, has a special meaning: to give voice and hope to those who can no longer take these steps.
Geert is moving unstoppably towards his goal. Less than 230 kilometres from Santiago, the pressure is mounting, but so is his determination. This Thursday could be historic.
"I'm here to tell a story," says Geert, and his story is clear: perseverance, solidarity and an epic challenge against the clock.
Tomorrow we will know if the Camino del Norte has a new champion. In the meantime, Geert is still running. Every minute counts.
Don't miss any adventure in the Pyrenees!
