Liberation Trail
The Liberation Trail is a multistage ultra running event. From the D-day beaches in Normandy, France in a prologue + 6 stages, via Bastogne in the Belgium Ardennes to Arnhem in the Netherlands. Following the original route of the liberators on the beaches, paths and through the forests where there was severe fighting during World War II.
Also a tribute to the men, boys who fought for our freedom in 1944 and 1945. ‘Lest we forget’ where our freedom comes from. And to prevent this memory from disappearing after the last veterans die.
The Liberation Trail is no race. We take the time at the start, during and after the finish of each stage to remember the where our freedom comes from. Lest we forget.
Everything is allowed. Running, walking/hiking. Whole distance and half distance. A day back to half distance, skipping a day. Even dogs are allowed. And also participating in relay is possible.
You will also be provided with some memorial attributes like a poppy and/or memorial ribbon which you can put down at a memorial site.
FULL DISTANCE: ±250 KM, PROLOGUE + 6 STAGES, 3 COUNTRIES.
HALF DISTANCE: ±125KM OMAHA BEACH VIA BASTOGNE TO ARNHEM.
LONGEST STAGE ±81 KM.
Run to honor history and for future freedom
On June 6, 1944, D-Day began as allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in a massive effort to free Europe from Nazi control. Amid gunfire and chaos, soldiers braved the shores, supported by air and sea. Despite heavy resistance, they secured a crucial foothold—marking a turning point in World War II and the beginning of Nazi Germany’s downfall.
In the early hours of June 6, 1944, the quiet French coast of Normandy erupted into chaos. Under the cover of darkness, Allied paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines, disrupting German defenses. At dawn, over 150,000 Allied troops began landing on five beaches – Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword – in the largest amphibious invasion ever attempted. Waves of soldiers faced machinegun fire, mined obstacles and rough seas. At Omaha Beach, Aermican forces suffered devastating losses but pressed on. Slowly, beachheads were secured. By nightfall, the Allies had established a foothold in Nazi-occupied France. D-Day was a turning point in Word Ware II – it cracked Hilter’s Atlantic Wall and began the liberation of Western Europe, showing the world the cost and courage of freedom.
