SLJ visit Bruges - September 2015

The idea was born in November last year – an invitation came from The Running Centre of Bruges – would Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers like to start an exchange programme with the Belgium running club.

9 months and many emails later – off went 20 SLJ members for a sporting, cultural and shopping weekend in beautiful Bruges.  The schedule was planned with precision timing – a packed weekend of activities and festivities followed.

Bruges welcomed the Sevenoaks ladies with open arms and exceptional Autumn weather.  After a morning of coffee, sightseeing and shopping the group were honoured to be greeted in the fabulous Gothic Hall in the City Hall by the Belgium Minister of Sport.  Speeches followed, exchanges of gifts and the warmest of welcomes.

Then the main event – the Beisbroek Forest run – up to 6 laps on a 2k route – with a beer token collected on every lap completed.  In beautiful sunshine, through a shady forest on a completely FLAT route – the SLJ ladies have never enjoyed a run and an ice cold beer so much.

The whole weekend was a superb success, historical Bruges enjoyed on a walking and canal tour and the Friteur waiting with the best frites and mayonnaise ever tasted.

SLJ now has a year to plan and prepare for the reciprocal visit from the ladies of The Running Centre, Bruges.  The bar has been set exceptionally high, but Sevenoaks can do it!