Matthieu Bonne Breaks Historic World Record at the 6 Days Race Ultrarun

Matthieu Bonne celebrates breaking the world record in a 6-day ultra race with 1046 km, holding the Belgian flag and smiling proudly during the 2024 event.

RACE PROVEN

Athlete: Matthieu Bonne

In an incredible feat, Matthieu Bonne, wearing his signature Bioracer gear, shattered the nearly 20-year-old world record held by Yiannis Kouros at the 6 Days Race Ultrarun in Hungary. He covered 1,046 kilometers in 144 hours, once again proving his unmatched endurance.

Close-up of ultra runner Matthieu Bonne wearing a Belgian flag over his shoulders after completing his 6-day, 1038 km track challenge, dressed in a black mesh race tank with bold “TRACK 6 DAYS 1038 KM AND BEYOND” lettering.

PRE RACE

Ultra runner Matthieu Bonne proudly holding race bib 1038 with Belgian flag after finishing extreme endurance event

Matthieu Bonne Aims for 6 Days Run World Record

On Thursday at 12 PM, Matthieu Bonne competed in the World Championship 6 Days Race in Hungary. Alongside 115 athletes from 27 countries, Matthieu will run for 144 hours, aiming to break the world record.

After narrowly missing out in Merelbeke five months ago, he prepared like never before, having recently broken the Belgian record in a 24-hour race (275.2 km). Supported by a team of 8, Matthieu is ready to face extreme heat and follow a strict pacing plan.

If successful, he will complete his third world record, adding to his record-breaking achievements in cycling and swimming.

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Matthieu Bonne recovering post-race with ice bath therapy and visible back tattoos during ultra endurance event

Bonne Perfectly Paced After Day 1

After 24 hours, or one-sixth of his world record attempt, Matthieu Bonne is right on track!

He has covered 238 kilometers at an average pace of 10.5 km/h, running in 3-hour blocks with 12-minute breaks for care, food, and hydration. Currently leading the race by 10 kilometers, everything is going smoothly, with no major physical issues and a strong, positive mindset.

Due to the high temperatures in Hungary, Matthieu sleeps during the day and runs at night when it’s cooler. As of 3 p.m., he’s begun his second day, adjusting his target pace to 9 km/h.

Matthieu Bonne running during his 6-day ultrarun challenge, wearing a black race tank with "Track 6 Days 1038KM.

Close-up of a focused Matthieu Bonne resting after a race.

Matthieu Bonne running in the rain during his ultra race, wearing a translucent yellow jacket and black headband, focused and determined.

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Breaking the belgian record

On day 2 of the 6 Days Race, everything continues to go according to plan for Matthieu Bonne. After 48 hours, he has covered over 410 kilometers, not only securing a strong position but also breaking the Belgian record for the 48-hour ultrarun.

As of 3 p.m., Matthieu can slightly reduce his pace according to his plan. While he comfortably leads the race, only Poland’s Bartosz Fudali remains somewhat close. With a crucial 24 hours ahead, nutrition and care will be key for the remainder of the race.

Matthieu Bonne running during his 6-day ultra race, passing by autumn-colored trees and distance markers indicating 200, 300, and 400 kilometers on a wooden structure.

ATHLETE ID

Meet, Matthieu Bonne

Name: Matthieu Bonne
Date of Birth: February 17, 1994
Place of Birth: Ostend, Belgium
Nationality: Belgian
Professional: Ultra-athlete and rescuer

Matthieu Bonne is a Belgian ultra-athlete who has pushed the limits of human endurance in open water swimming, ultra-running, and extreme cycling. Notably, he swam the entire Belgian coastline in 2020 and broke several world records, including covering 1,046.31 km in 6 days of non-stop running in 2024. His relentless pursuit of extreme challenges continues to inspire athletes worldwide.

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The Toughest test Yet

Matthieu Bonne has now entered the fifth day of his world record attempt, and as expected, day 4 proved to be the most challenging so far. With Hungary’s intense heat, his pacing plan is designed to let him rest between 12 PM and 3 PM, avoiding the hottest part of the day. This means Matthieu runs throughout the night, adding an extra layer of mental strain.

The early hours of this morning, especially between 6 AM and 8 AM, were particularly difficult. However, the support of fellow runners on the course, a refreshing rain shower, and the sunrise gave him a much-needed boost of energy.

To adjust for potential fatigue, Matthieu decided to take a shorter sleep break this afternoon. Despite the continuous rain around Lake Balaton, which is expected to clear up later tonight, he remains on track for the world record. Impressively, Matthieu is managing to avoid significant physical issues and is staying on pace

Matthieu Bonne running in the rain wearing waterproof gear during an ultra run, daytime and nighttime shots combined

On the Verge of Breaking World Record at 6 Days Race Ultrarun

Close-up of ultra runner Matthieu Bonne in deep focus during his Track Days challenge, wearing a black race tank top and headband.

Less Than 24 Hours To Go

Matthieu Bonne is on track for his greatest performance ever. In Hungary, he leads the World 6 Days Race Ultrarun and is poised to break the nearly 20-year-old World Record held by Yiannis Kouros. The record stands at 1036.8 km, and Bonne needs to cover 160 km in the remaining 24 hours to surpass it.

Determined ultra runner Matthieu Bonne mid-race in the sun, wearing a black performance shirt and patterned headband, with hair tied back.

Struggles And Determination

Matthieu is exhausted, dealing with numerous physical ailments, and struggling to stick to his nutrition plan. Despite these challenges, he remains determined. Around 12:30 PM, he resumed running at an average pace of 8 km/h after covering 880 km.

Matthieu Bonne running during his ultra challenge, smiling with race number 1038, surrounded by autumn trees.

Positive Signs, Final Push

The support team’s signals from Hungary are positive. Their current task is to help Matthieu through the difficult final moments and the night ahead, hoping for a spectacular finish tomorrow at noon.

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Ultra runner Matthieu Bonne celebrating his 6-day race world record of 1046 km, surrounded by supporters and wrapped in the Belgian flag, captured during the finish festivities.

Another Mind-blowing world record

This morning, Matthieu Bonne surpassed 1000 km in his world record attempt at the 6 Days Race Ultrarun in Hungary. With just over 6 hours left, the record is within reach. Since deciding to skip his last sleep block yesterday afternoon.

He did it! Matthieu Bonne conquers the impossible with an earth-shattering 1046km in 144 grueling hours. The Belgian Ultra athlete titan etches his name in history, claiming yet another awe-inspiring world record.