The race, in three figures
The race, in words
In the Open division at Mechelen 2026, Mathias De Smedt crossed the line in 1:14:43: 342nd of 1,363 men, faster than 75% of the field.
A station race more than a running one: 83% of the field beaten on the stations, against 63% on the runs. The wall balls were the standout, 1:33 quicker than the median and 233rd of 1,363. Stronger after halfway: 1:44 better against the middle of the field than before it.
The field ran 4:31 faster at Mechelen 2026 than at Gent 2025, a quicker course than most.
Eight blocks
Bar = field beaten · tick = median
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Block 01 7:19Running 1 3:14v median −0:27
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Block 02 6:51Running 2 4:15v median −0:22
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Block 03 8:14Running 3 4:50v median −0:03
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Block 04 10:05Running 4 4:46v median −0:07
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Block 05 9:23Running 5 4:52v median −0:11
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Block 06 6:19Running 6 4:50v median −0:06
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Block 07 8:52Running 7 4:49v median −0:05
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Block 08 10:17Running 8 5:04v median −0:25
Roxzone, per block
Approach · Exit 7:31
Against the middle of your field
Men · n = 1354
A pace, not a person: at every mat, the middle of the 1,354 men who finished.