Ultramarathon runner Geert van Nispen is starting a record attempt over the 800 kilometres of the Camino Francés.
Pyrenees and mountains 📩
Here 🔥Van Nispen is heading to the south of France on April 4th and will begin his attempt on April 6th, travelling the historic pilgrimage route unsupported.
Ultramarathon runner Geert van Nispen, originally from Nijmegen (Netherlands), will soon begin a record attempt on the famous Camino Francés. His aim is to run the almost 800 kilometres separating Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port from Santiago de Compostela, averaging about 100 kilometres per day.
The route, approximately 800 kilometres long, starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the French Pyrenees, and ends in Santiago de Compostela, in Spain, a destination that pilgrims have been travelling to for centuries.
Van Nispen will travel to the south of France on April 4th and begin his attempt on Tuesday, April 6th. His goal is to complete the entire route running, solo, and self-sufficiently. This means he will do so with no external support and carrying his own equipment for the entire journey. Each day he hopes to cover around 100 kilometres, more than two marathons a day.
«For many people, the Camino is a space for slowing down and for reflection,» says Van Nispen. «For me, that same reflection happens in motion. With every kilometre, I get a little closer to myself.»
From burnout syndrome to extreme adventures
The challenge reflects Van Nispen’s personal journey. After suffering a second burnout, he decided to radically change his life. He left behind a stressful lifestyle in exchange for a life with more space, movement, and time in nature.
Running became an important compass in that process. What started as a way to clear the mind gradually grew into a passion for long distances and outdoor adventures.
«I discovered that movement is freedom for me,» states Van Nispen. «Running became my way of truly feeling alive again.»
An FKT attempt on a historical route
El Camino Francés is the most famous route within the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage network and attracts hundreds of thousands of walkers from all over the world each year.
An FKT attempt Fastest Known Time (Known Record Time) means an athlete tries to complete a route faster than anyone else previously.
Van Nispen will trek the route as a continuous effort, carrying his own equipment. His progress can be followed live via GPS tracking and daily updates on his website and social media.
«This isn't just a question of speed,» she points out. «It's about trust, perseverance, dancing with time, and continuing to move forward when things get tough.»
Follow the live journey
The record attempt can be followed throughout the entire journey via GPS tracking and daily updates on Van Nispen's online channels.
Live tracking https://live.trail-tracking.com/GeertvanNispen26/
Besides the sporting challenge, he hopes the project will inspire others to pursue their own dreams.
«There's no need to run 800 kilometres,» he says. «But we all have our own Camino. It starts with that first step.»
About Geert van Nispen
Geert van Nispen is an ultramarathon runner, adventurer, writer, and blogger. He is known for his adventure projects that combine nature, personal growth, and physical challenges.
Through his life motto «Just do it», encourages others to live more consciously, to dare to act and to follow their own path.
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