Preparing for (and surviving) the 100km Dodentocht 2026: a user's guide
Walking 100 km in less than 24 hours. At night. With fatigue, pain and a wavering mental state.
The Dodentocht is not an ordinary hike: it is a true physical and mental challenge, a legendary event that brings together thousands of determined walkers every year.
At Boutique Randonnée , we help you prepare intelligently so you arrive at the start confident… and cross the finish line standing tall.
What exactly is the Dodentocht?
The 100km Dodentocht is an international endurance walk where participants:
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leave in the evening
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walk all night
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continue throughout the following day
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must travel 100 km in a maximum of 24 hours
The terrain is mostly flat and paved , but the difficulty comes from the duration, lack of sleep and the accumulation of kilometers.
How to train for 100km?
This challenge cannot be improvised.
Preparation time
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Beginner or returning: 6 months
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Already active walker: minimum 3 months
Alternate:
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long outings
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controlled-pace workouts
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night walks
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fatigue management
A hiking sports watch helps you control your pace and avoid starting too fast.
Shoes: your main weapon
Over 100km, bad shoes = guaranteed abandonment.
Choose a pair:
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well cushioned
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light
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suitable for asphalt
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perfectly rehearsed before the event
Long-distance hiking shoe models offer the support and comfort needed to cover the miles.
Tip: change your socks every 20 km and choose our technical merino socks to avoid moisture and blisters.
Clothing: comfort = performance
Forget cotton. It retains moisture and promotes cooling.
Prefer:
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quick-drying fabrics
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breathable clothing
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layer system
Essential:
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technical hiking t-shirt
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Thin gloves for the night
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anti-chafing shorts or leggings
All of this fits into a small, lightweight hiking backpack , without any extra weight.
Hydration & nutrition: your fuel
Over 100 km, energy is the key.
✔ Drink regularly, without waiting until you are thirsty
✔ Alternate between water and energy drinks
✔ Eat small portions often
Slip some energy-packed hiking snacks into your pockets.
Preventing blisters
Your feet are your engine.
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Protect sensitive areas with tape
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Keep your feet dry
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Change your socks regularly
In your bag: plasters, disinfectant and adhesive tape from our selection of hiking first aid kits .
The mental aspect: the other half of the challenge
Mental fatigue strikes before the body.
✔ Set yourself intermediate goals
✔ Walk at your own pace
✔ Prepare a motivational playlist
✔ Carry a lightweight external battery for your phone
Each position reached = a victory.
After arrival: don't stop abruptly
Continue walking gently, stretch, and stay hydrated.
Your muscles need to recover gradually.
Good bedding and recovery equipment are essential if you are going camping afterwards with our range of lightweight camping equipment .
The 9 Golden Rules for Surviving the Dodentocht
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Rest the day before
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Test all your equipment beforehand
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Take care of your feet
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Listen to your body
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Walk at your own pace
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Think in stages
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Get motivated with music/podcasts
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Actively recover after
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Keep yourself hydrated.
The Dodentocht is more than just a march
It is a human adventure, a battle against oneself, and an experience that one never forgets.
With the right equipment from Boutique Randonnée , you give yourself every chance not only to participate... but to finish.