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Belo Horizonte: Anthony Vandenbilcke reaches the podium at the Manaus Marathon
A final-year Master in Management (PGE) student in the MSc Corporate Financial Management at SKEMA Business School, based on the Belo Horizonte campus, Anthony Vandenbilcke completed his second marathon with an outstanding performance. At the finish line of the Manaus Marathon in Brazil, he clocked a time of 3h15’57, with a pace of 4 minutes 39 per kilometre and an average speed of 12.86 km/h. He placed 30th overall and 3rd in the 25–29 age category.
The race started before dawn, in heavy tropical humidity. “I was up at 4 a.m. It was already hot – the humidity at that time of day is intense,” Anthony says. “It’s one of the most unusual settings I’ve ever run in.”
This Amazonian marathon was his second long-distance challenge, after Ottawa, which he completed in 3h22 while on an exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University during the second semester of his first year. “I wanted to see how far I’d come since Ottawa. I’d made progress in training and felt ready to reach a new level. This result shows I’m on the right track.”
The Belo Horizonte campus, where Anthony is completing his final semester, supported his project and covered his travel costs. “Having that support meant a lot. It was a form of recognition that motivated me to give it everything.”
Early morning training before class
Far from being a last-minute decision, this performance was the result of a strict training routine. “I train in the mornings before class. It’s not always easy to get up, but it gives structure to my day and helps me stay focused.”
As he prepares to graduate this December, Anthony now sets his sights on a career in portfolio management – a field he believes requires the same mindset as endurance running. “It takes long-term effort, strategy, and consistency. Sport helps me develop those qualities every day.”
