CACE annual trip to the Black Forest

Hello, I’m Bert, a former women’s coach at the club and now semi-retired. I feel fortunate to have had a second chance to join this year’s main event, thanks to a scheduling change made by the trip organizers a few months ago. Initially, I had a prior commitment to attend my godchild’s wedding, which coincided with the first trip date. However, the revised itinerary allowed me to participate in the event, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve now attended all 20 international trips organized by the club. This achievement fills me with pride, and I must admit that these trips have become an addiction for me! From our inaugural trip to Connemara, Ireland in 2004 to our latest adventure in Elzach, Germany in 2024, each experience has been unforgettable.

This year’s trip, which took place from October 4th to 7th, 2024, was a true highlight. The CACE club embarked on its much-anticipated annual international trip to the breathtaking Black Forest in Germany, and I was excited to be a part of it. Our destination, Elzach, offered scenic trails, friendly camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. We stayed at the charming Hotel Zum Schützen in Oberprechtal, where the warm and welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, and delectable meals created a perfect home away from home.

The trip revolved around the Black Forest Trailrun Masters, a series of challenging yet exhilarating trail races. On Saturday, some courageous runners participated in the 58 km Elztal Trail and others in the 13 km Bodehausle Trail.

Sunday featured the 38 km Biereck-Gehrenberg Trail and the 22 km Biereck-Bachere Trail. Some of us ran two races over the two days, and the hilly but manageable trails showcased stunning landscapes. The races highlighted the runners’ determination and grit, and many participants tackled multiple events and achieved remarkable results. The prizes, which included local specialties like honey, oil, and flowers, were a lovely touch.

Our evenings were lively and centered around Room 501, hosted by Angelo and Bjorn. We sampled local specialties, shared stories, and sang songs, creating cherished memories. The transportation was efficiently managed with a hired bus driven by an accommodating driver and Paulina’s car, which helped transport early runners to their starting points.

The final evening featured a delightful farewell dinner at Gasthaus Rössle in Elzach, where we enjoyed local specialties and heartfelt speeches by the club’s president, Niall, and trip organizers, Stefan, Stassi, and Jesper.

The trip concluded with a gentle morning run, a tradition that’s become a staple of our international adventures. This leisurely jog, which lasts less than half an hour, is a must-do for first-timers and a labour of love for the die-hards. As we ran, we paused to perform the infamous « Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes » exercise, a ritual that never fails to bring smiles to our faces. This year, a brave group of 10 participants joined in, perhaps motivated by the fact that it was my birthday (though I’m not revealing whether I’m 16 or 61!). The weather, which had been kind to us throughout the trip, began to change, with grey skies and rain clouds gathering on the horizon. But just as we finished our run, a beautiful rainbow appeared, reminding us that it was time to leave our heavenly surroundings behind and return to reality. As we packed up to head back to Brussels, we felt grateful for another incredible adventure and already looked forward to the next one.

If you’re interested in joining us on future trips, the invitation is open. The annual CACE international trip is more than a running event; it’s an opportunity to create lifelong memories, strengthen bonds, and explore new horizons together. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a new adventure, we welcome you to join our community.

Thank you to everyone who made this trip to the Black Forest unforgettable.

Until next year – auf Wiedersehen!

Bert