Meet the Belgian Team for TEAM UP! Europe Rivalry: Karen Van Proyen & Dorian Boulvin
As excitement builds for the 46th Nationale-Nederlanden Warsaw Marathon, we’re thrilled to introduce the next powerhouse duo participating in the TEAM UP! Europe rivalry project: the Belgian team, featuring Karen Van Proyen and Dorian Boulvin. This dynamic pair brings a blend of experience, passion, and a drive for excellence to the marathon scenes.
Karen Van Proyen: Trailblazer and Marathon Maestro
Karen Van Proyen is a name synonymous with endurance and versatility in the world of running. Her impressive marathon personal best of 2:34 showcases her exceptional talent, but Karen’s achievements extend far beyond this. She holds Belgian titles in the 10,000m, half marathon, and marathon (achieving this twice, in 2019 and 2022), and most recently in trail running (42km) in 2023.
But Karen’s impact goes beyond her impressive race times. She is a passionate lecturer at the Flemish Trainers School, where she shares her expertise on trail running. As a coach, she mentors over 40 runners and trail runners, and her leadership extends to the „The Sky is the Limit” project in collaboration with the Flemish Athletics League. With a doctorate in „fasted training” and postdoctoral research experience, Karen is deeply immersed in the realms of sports, research, and health. Currently serving as the research coordinator at the Department of Health & Science at AP University College, her future goals include setting a new personal best in a fast marathon and qualifying for the European Road Marathon Championships in 2025. And who knows, perhaps she’ll achieve these goals at the Warsaw Marathon?
Dorian Boulvin: Speedster with Marathon Ambitions
Dorian Boulvin’s impressive track record speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. With personal bests of 28:34 in the 10K and 61:25 in the half marathon, Dorian has established himself as a formidable competitor in shorter road racing distances. His achievements also include holding the European Ekiden relay record with his teammates from the „Runners’lab Athletics Team,” with a time of 2:02:37.
Dorian’s recent victory at the Warsaw Half Marathon in March has fueled his excitement to return to Warsaw in September. This marathon will mark his debut over the full marathon distance since his first attempt in 2021, where he clocked a time of 2:18. With his proven speed and experience, Dorian is poised to demonstrate his true potential and make a significant impact at the Warsaw Marathon.
A Belgian Duo to Watch
As Karen and Dorian prepare to take on the challenge of the 46th Nationale-Nederlanden Warsaw Marathon, their combined expertise and passion promise to make the TEAM UP! Europe rivalry project even more thrilling. Keep an eye on these exceptional athletes as they bring their A-game to the marathon course and represent Belgium with pride.
