Antwerp hosted a record number of runners at the third edition of the Antwerp Marathon, with 12,800 participants across three distances running through the Flemish city. Kenya’s Vincent Rono won the men’s marathon, with Belgian Joke Odeyn taking the women’s win.
The half marathon attracted 7750 participants, with 3300 runners braving the full marathon distance and 1750 runners completing a sell-out 8k.
With landmarks including the Port Authority, Steen, Central Station, Meir and Grote Markt, as well as Schoonselhof and the Olympic Stadium for the marathon runners, the participants explored some of the most attractive areas of the city, boosted by excellent weather.
Belgian ace Koen Naert came to prepare for his New York marathon in a few weeks’ time and took on a pacing role, leading the breakaway group until the halfway
mark.
After halfway Rono upped the tempo with two pacers, who launched him to a solo win in 2:13:06. Ugandan Felix Chemongesi was second just under a minute in arrears (2:14:12). Fellow KenyanJohn Langat was third (2:14:51). In the women’s race Joke Odeyn took the honours in 2:54:34, ahead of Hinke Schokker and Liesbeth Leysen.
Earlier Bram Eeckhout won the half marathon in 1:08:38, beating Philip Wong by 25 seconds. Anneke Vortmeier won the women’s event in 1:14:05. The 8k race went to Stefaan Van Den Broek and Zarah Steurbaut.
Most participants tried to achieve their own goals or enjoy the many fans and side animations along the course. The Meir was turned into the AG Cheering Lane and at city hall runners were also offered messages of encouragement courtesy of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. After the finish at the MAS museum participants got the opportunity to take a unique finish photo at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges Photobooth or recover at the massage stand provided by VoltaNatura.
