Frequently asked questions
Race bib & arrival
When and where can I collect my race bib? Can I already do this on Friday 6 November?
Yes. You collect your race bib at the Athlete Reception in the Athletes’ Tent in the Runners Village: on Friday 6 November from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm, or on Saturday 7 November from 9.00 am. On Saturday, you can also use the Bag Drop there straight away.
Can someone else collect my race bib?
Yes. The person who made the booking (the buyer) can collect all the race bibs in the order. They have also already received the numbers by email.
Can I collect all the race bibs in my booking together?
Yes. The race bibs in one booking have consecutive numbers, so you collect them all together at the same desk.
What is on my race bib?
Each distance has its own race bib. Your race bib shows the organisation’s emergency number and contains the timing chip (except for the Kids Run: those race bibs have no chip). Safety pins are included.
Do I have to queue separately for the Kids Run and the adult run?
No. You collect the race bibs for the Kids Run and the adult run at the same desk at the Athlete Reception.
From what time can I go to the Runners Village?
The Athlete Reception and the Bag Drop open at 9.00 am. The full Runners Village, with food trucks and entertainment, opens at 4.00 pm and closes at 11.00 pm.
I’m visiting Plopsaland during the day. How do I get to the Runners Village?
Plopsaland closes at 4.00 pm. Leave the park through the gates on the right at the exit: they take you straight into the Runners Village.
Participant package
What is included in my participation?
A personalised race bib, a unique finisher’s medal, refreshments (a drink and a snack at the finish), access to the changing area in the Athletes’ Tent and timing of your run.
Do the children in the Kids Run also get a finisher’s medal?
Yes, every participant receives a finisher’s medal, including in the Kids Run.
Will I get a T-shirt?
A T-shirt is not included in the participant package. Exclusive Plopsa Run merchandise is on sale in the Runners Village, while stocks last. View the merchandise.
Practical information
When will I get more information about my start time and the schedule?
You can find all start times and the full programme on the Programme & route page.
Am I insured during the Plopsa Run?
Yes, all participants are insured.
Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are not allowed at the Plopsa Run.
Will photos and videos be taken?
Yes. During the Plopsa Run, photographers and a video team will be filming and taking pictures, including with a drone. We may use these images in our communications. The videos are not for sale. You can read more in our privacy statement.
Is there shelter in case of bad weather?
No. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and leave rain gear or a dry change of clothes at the Bag Drop.
Runners Village: Atletentent & Bag Drop
Tot hoe laat blijft de Bag Drop open?
De Bag Drop is gratis. Tot 23:30 kan je je tas er ophalen. Heb je je tas vergeten op te halen? Neem dan contact op via [email protected].
Is er een omkleedruimte?
Ja, een gratis omkleedruimte in de Atletentent van het Runners Village. Laat er geen persoonlijke spullen achter: daarvoor is er de Bag Drop. Douches zijn niet voorzien.
Zijn er toiletten?
Ja, er zijn voldoende gratis toiletten voor alle aanwezigen.
Runners Village: Refreshments & water
Where are the refreshments?
Near the Athletes’ Tent, you’ll find a BRITA water point where you can fill up your water bottle. At the finish, every participant receives a drink and a snack.
Can I get water without my own water bottle or cup?
No cups are provided on site, so we recommend bringing your own water bottle.
Runners Village: Food & drinks
Can I buy food or drinks?
Yes, from a quick bite at the food trucks to a full meal. View all food options.
Can supporters also eat in the Runners Village?
To give everyone a pleasant experience, we advise against bringing supporters. The route runs through Plopsaland, so the park is closed all evening. Unfortunately, this means there is little we can offer supporters.
Can I book a table at the Piratengrill if I’m not a resort guest? Until when?
On 7 November, the Piratengrill is open from 4.00 pm, by reservation only. The last sitting starts at 6.00 pm; the restaurant closes at 6.45 pm.
How late is Mr. Spaghetti open?
Mr. Spaghetti is open from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
Runners Village: Plopsaland Plaza & wristbands
How do I get access to Plopsaland Plaza as a parent/companion?
When you collect one or more race bibs for the Kids Run, you choose an orange or purple wristband for each race bib. With an orange wristband, you can run along with your child and you have access to Plopsaland Plaza. A purple wristband only gives access to Plopsaland Plaza. Did you have the race bibs sent to you? Then you will receive 1 orange wristband per Kids Run ticket as standard.
What is the wristband for parents/companions for, and how many do I get?
With an orange wristband, you can run along with your child and you have access to Plopsaland Plaza. A purple wristband only gives access to Plopsaland Plaza. You get 1 wristband per Kids Run race bib. You don’t need a wristband for the Runners Village.
When is Plopsaland Plaza open?
From 5.00 pm to 11.00 pm. During that time, Kids Run participants with their race bib, their parents/companions with an orange or purple wristband and Plopsaland Resort guests with a silver wristband have access to Plopsaland Plaza.
Does my Plopsa annual pass give me access to Plopsaland Plaza?
Unfortunately not. Plopsaland Plaza is the finish area of the Kids Run. To guarantee the children’s safety, capacity is limited that evening. That’s why only children with a Kids Run race bib, their companions with an orange or purple wristband and resort guests with a silver wristband have access. Thank you for your understanding!
Can I get extra wristbands for access to Plopsaland Plaza?
If needed, you can get one or more purple wristbands (access to Plopsaland Plaza) at the Plopsaland Belgium reception by showing your booking to prove that you are accompanying a Kids Run participant. While stocks last.
Can I walk in and out of Plopsaland Plaza as a parent/companion?
Yes. With an orange or purple wristband, you can walk in and out of Plopsaland Plaza as often as you like from 5.00 pm to 11.00 pm, as long as capacity allows. Please follow the instructions of the Plopsa Run Team on site.
Programme & route: Kids Run
How do I choose the distance for my child in the Kids Run?
You can decide for yourselves which distance your child would like to run. Not sure? This advice may help: 3–5 years: 300 m; 6–8 years: 600 m; 9–11 years: 1,200 m.
Do I have to run with my child as a parent or companion?
No, that’s up to you. The children run the Kids Run on their own. Would you like to run with your child anyway? Then choose an orange wristband when you collect the race bib.
Questions about Plopsaland Plaza and the wristbands? See them under Runners Village.
Programme & route: Route
How much time do I have to finish?
All runners must cross the finish line before 9.00 pm. Keep this in mind when choosing between the 5km Run and the 10km Run.
Can I walk?
Yes, you can also walk the 5km Run. The 10km Run is for runners only: walking is not allowed. Please note: walkers must also cross the finish line before 9.00 pm.
Can I take part in a wheelchair?
Taking part in a wheelchair is possible in the 5km Run. The route is mostly paved, but please assess in advance whether it is suitable for your situation. The 10km Run is not wheelchair accessible.
What entertainment is there along the route?
Along the route, you’ll be surprised by Plopsa characters, music and lots of magical entertainment. We’re not giving away any more just yet!
Transport: Parking & getting there
How do I get to the Plopsa Run?
Preferably come by train, by Coast Tram (Kusttram) or by bike, or carpool with other participants. Coming by car? More information will follow soon. You can find all the information on the Transport & parking page.
Is the bicycle parking supervised?
The bicycle parking is not supervised, so make sure you can lock your bike securely.
Is there parking for electric cars?
There are only a limited number of charging points. We recommend fully charging your car beforehand.
Resort guests
How do I get to my accommodation and where do I park?
The Plopsaland Theater Hotel, Plopsaland Village and the Studio 100 Chalets each have their own car park. Please bear in mind that the entire resort is difficult to reach by car after 4.00 pm. Between 6.00 pm and 9.30 pm, Plopsaland Village cannot be reached by car at all. We therefore recommend arriving as early as possible.
Are there adjusted check-in or check-out times?
On 7 November, you can check in at reception before 4.00 pm. Where possible, we will also give you earlier access to your villa or chalet.
When do I get my wristband as a resort guest?
On 7 November, as a Plopsaland Resort guest, you will receive a silver wristband at check-in that gives you access to Plopsaland Plaza.
When do I have access to Plopsaland Plaza?
With your silver wristband, you have access to Plopsaland Plaza, the finish area of the Kids Run, on 7 November from 5.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
Is there a shuttle between Plopsaland Plaza and Plopsaland Village?
No, there is no shuttle (Plopsaland Explorer) in the evening. As a Plopsaland Village guest, you can walk to Plopsaland Plaza and back between 4.00 pm and 6.20 pm and between 9.00 pm and 11.00 pm.
Can I leave Plopsaland Village by car in the evening?
Between 6.00 pm and 9.30 pm, you cannot leave Plopsaland Village by car. You can, however, walk to Plopsaland Plaza and back between 4.00 pm and 6.20 pm and between 9.00 pm and 11.00 pm.
Local residents
Which roads are closed and when?
On Saturday 7 November, the Duinhoekstraat will be closed for a certain period.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact the municipality of De Panne through the usual channels.
Merchandise
Can I order merchandise in advance?
No. Plopsa Run merchandise is only on sale at the event itself.
Where can I buy merchandise?
At the event, at the merchandise stand in the Runners Village.
When can I buy merchandise?
Before and during the event, in the Runners Village. Tip: arrive in good time so you can run in your new shirt straight away.
Is there enough merchandise for everyone?
Merchandise is available in limited quantities. When it’s gone, it’s gone!
Does every participant get a finisher’s medal?
Yes, every participant receives a finisher’s medal, including in the Kids Run.
Can I go to the Plopsa shop as a runner?
Only if you have access to Plopsaland Plaza: as a resort guest, as a Kids Run participant or as a companion of a Kids Run participant.
Can I purchase a Plopsa Photopass for the Plopsa Run?
No, only the Race Photo Pack is available for the Plopsa Run. It includes digital photos of the event, which are linked to your participation using facial recognition. The Race Photo Pack works differently from the Plopsa Photopass and is exclusively valid for photos taken at the Plopsa Run.
Photos
How does the photo system work?
Several photographers take photos along the route. If you buy a Race Photo Pack, facial recognition automatically finds all the photos you appear in.
Where can I buy my photos?
Race Photos are only available online, at runpictures.plopsa.com.
Can I buy photos for someone else?
In principle, you can buy photos for someone else if that person gives you permission and you have a good profile photo of them.
Can I buy the Race Photos before the run?
No, the Race Photos are only on sale after the run.
When can I download my photos?
You can view and download your photos from Sunday 8 November at 7.00 am.
How long will my photos remain available?
Your photos remain available for up to 2 months after the Plopsa Run.
Timing
How does timing work?
We record your time in the 5km and 10km Run. There is no timing in the Kids Run.
Where and when can I view my results?
Shortly after the run, you can check your time on the timing website.
Entertainment & atmosphere
Is there entertainment before and during the run?
Absolutely! In the Runners Village, a DJ keeps the atmosphere going from opening to closing. Before each run, you warm up together with Manu Van Acker at the stage, and along the way, Plopsa characters, music and visual entertainment set the mood.
What happens during the festive closing moment?
At 8.30 pm, we close the Plopsa Run in style at the stage and together present the cheque to Make-A-Wish. After that, the DJ keeps the party going until closing time at 11.00 pm.
Plopsaqua
How late is Plopsaqua open on 7 November?
On 7 November, Plopsaqua De Panne stays open until 9.00 pm.
Access & supporters
Can I take part without an admission ticket for Plopsaland?
Yes. All registered participants get access to the route after the attractions have closed. Would you also like to visit the park or Plopsaqua during the day? Then you will need a separate admission ticket.
Can I bring supporters?
To give everyone a pleasant experience, we advise against bringing supporters. The route runs through Plopsaland, so the park is closed all evening. Unfortunately, this means there is little we can offer supporters.
