Karel Sabbe
Acting
Biography
Karel Sabbe is a Belgian dentist and ultrarunner. While Sabbe is not a professional athlete, he has repeatedly set several speed records on prominent trails and completed elite races such as Barkley Marathons.
Born: October 23, 1989
Place of Birth: Waregem, Flanders, Belgium
Known For
The Toughest Footrace on Earth
Two brothers. One unforgiving desert. No way back. In The Toughest Footrace on Earth, Average Rob and Arno The Kid enter the Moroccan desert for the Marathon Des Sables Legendary — an impulsive decision that turns into a relentless battle against the heat, injuries and themselves. What follows is a physical and mental ordeal without filters or excuses. After six months of intensive preparation, Rob & Arno are at the start of a nearly impossible adventure: a gruelling 250-kilometre walk through the scorching Sahara desert, braving sandstorms, unbearable heat and complete exhaustion. From the first training to the last step across the finish line, you get an unfiltered view of the brothers' unparalleled journey. Along the way, they meet inspiring individuals, all of whom, based on their own personal motivation, take on the battle with themselves on the hottest stage in the world.
Out There - A Journey to the Barkley Marathons
Out There is the story of Belgian ultrarunner Karel Sabbe, who holds the world records on two of the most epic trails in the world: the 4279km long Pacific Crest Trail and the 3500km long Appalachian Trail. How did setting these world records prepare Karel for a race as brutal as The Barkley Marathons? How did these adventures help Karel to find the necessary mindset to do well at this Spartan challenge?
#17 - To Finish The Barkley Marathons
An unprecedented look into the psyche of Karel Sabbe in his attempt to finish the legendary Barkley Marathons. As the first documentary focusing on a finisher, it unveils Sabbe's mental fortitude and physical resilience in tackling the brutal course. Through intimate interviews and captivating footage, viewers gain invaluable insights into the mindset required to endure the grueling challenges of the Barkley.
Touch the Gate
The Barkley Marathons are a race unlike any other. With over 100 miles of wild terrain, and twice the elevation of climbing and descending Mt. Everest from sea level, it's a race that expects runners to fail. In 38 years, only 15 runners have completed the Barkley Marathons, but that doesn't stop hundreds of athletes from applying for entry every year. This year, I was lucky enough to see the race in person as I documented Joe McConaughy's first attempt at one of the most challenging races in the world. The film also features athletes Aurélien Sanchez, John Kelly, Karel Sabbe, Damian Hall, Jared Campbell, and Jasmin Paris.
Solace
On | Solace – Running the Alps in 30 days – Karel Sabbe's Via Alpina FKT In the summer of 2021, ultrarunner Karel Sabbe ran the Via Alpina trail in just 30 days. Averaging two marathons on a daily basis, he navigated the route 14 days faster than anybody else. As well as the Alps, Karel overcame sleep deprivation, illness and extreme weather. And he did it all with a camera crew in tow, documenting every step.
Pacing the Pacific
Few hikers start the PCT and finish. Even fewer clock a time faster than five months. Professional dentist, dedicated dad, and casual ultrarunner Karel Sabbe is not like most hikers. Backcountry’s new full-length documentary follows Karel as he vies to set the speed record... again.
The Venture Beyond Series
Our latest series highlights Backcountry athletes, ambassadors, and Gearheads as they explore wild places and Venture Beyond the norm. We push the limits of what’s possible to fuel our passions and inspire others to get out of their comfort zone.
Marathon Des Sables
After completing a full Ironman in 2023, Average Rob was faced with the question: "What's next?" The answer—one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world. In this first episode, he embarks on the legendary Marathon des Sables, a grueling 250-kilometer race across the Sahara Desert, where athletes must endure scorching temperatures of up to 50º Celsius while carrying all their own supplies. With the help of an experienced team, he takes on this extreme test of resilience, pushing his limits like never before.
Filmography
as Self
as Himself
as Himself
as Self
as Self