20 km of Brussels: sport, team spirit and flawless organisation

This year, Johan Verckens was once again responsible for organising Sopra Steria’s participation in the 20 km of Brussels, a role he has taken on every year since 2015. Over the years, the event has become a permanent fixture in the company calendar and something many colleagues look forward to annually. This year, 48 colleagues laced up their running shoes to take part in one of Belgium’s most iconic sporting events. And they all know one thing for certain: on race day, Johan is working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

As a result, participants had no need to worry about the organisation this year. Johan handled the registrations, collected the race numbers and arranged a central meeting point close to both the start and finish areas. With two large vans serving as mobile changing rooms, a marquee, refreshments and the traditional Geraardsbergen mattentaarten (curd tarts), every detail had been considered. 

“The only thing participants had to do was run or walk,” Johan says with a smile. 

Preparation for an event of this scale begins months in advance. From January onwards, Johan starts contacting colleagues and arranging all the practical details. On the day itself, his alarm went off at two o’clock in the morning so he could load all the equipment before setting off for Brussels at around half past four. 

The 20 km of Brussels has become hugely popular. Twenty years ago, the event attracted around 20,000 participants; today, that number exceeds 50,000. Interest within Sopra Steria is equally strong. 

“This year, the organisers limited the number of corporate entries, which meant Sopra Steria ultimately had 48 participants on the starting line,” Johan explains. 

There was, however, a special achievement to celebrate: for the first time since Johan took responsibility for the organisation, every registered participant actually turned up and took part. 

“I had 48 names on my list, and all 48 were there. I’m genuinely delighted about that,” he says proudly. 

The group included a wonderful mix of experienced runners, recreational athletes, walkers and colleagues taking part for the very first time. It is precisely this combination that makes the event so special. Everyone can participate in their own way while enjoying the unique atmosphere that characterises the 20 km of Brussels. 

Johan adds: “One of those experienced runners is our colleague Koen Muys. I think he’s around 55 now, but he’s been taking part ever since I started organising the event. What makes Koen remarkable is that he doesn’t run the 20 km once, he runs it twice. The first time, he crosses the finish line, has a pint, enjoys a mattentaart, and then sets off for a second lap. That never ceases to amaze me.” 

The atmosphere this year was excellent. The fine weather, enthusiastic participants and positive feedback afterwards made this edition a great success. 

“It was also nice that our CEO, Régis Roba, was there. He didn’t take part himself, but his wife and son did.” 

For Johan, the 20 km of Brussels is about more than sport alone. The event brings colleagues together, creates new connections and strengthens team spirit across Sopra Steria. 

“I enjoy bringing people together and making sure they have a great day,” he says. “I try to do the same in my role as a Capacity Manager.” 

The appreciation for his efforts is clear from the many colleagues who now know him simply as “Johan of the 20 km”. Even colleagues whom Johan may not immediately recognise know exactly who to approach, thanks to his many years of dedication to the event.