On Sunday 1 October, Brussels will be at the mercy of runners. The European capital will welcome more than 100 nationalities for the 18th edition of the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon. They will feast their eyes on their sporting high day: the revamped course features many impressive landmarks.
Brussels, there is no city in Belgium with a more international character. You run into the whole world there every day, and on Sunday 1 October you can take that literally. The Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon will be an international running party with more than 100 nationalities. Neighbouring countries France, the Netherlands and Germany are traditionally well-represented, but runners from countries including Brazil, South Africa, Senegal, and Vietnam, will also start.
By the way, the running fever has Brussels firmly in its grip. Compared to the 2022 edition, in excess of 20 per cent more runners will put on their running shoes. More than 12,000 participants are expected at the start.
By no means everyone is going for the full 42.195 km. Besides the marathon, the programme also features the Brussels Airport Half Marathon and a 10K. The little ones can have fun in the Kids Run. Something for everyone!
Sightseeing while exercising
Brussels’ appeal as a running city is more than justified. The revamped course of the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon offers participants not only a sporting challenge, but they can also admire numerous sights of the European capital along the way while exercising.
After the start on Place De Brouckère in the heart of the bustling city centre, the runners of the marathon and half marathon immediately dive into the renovated and lit up Annie Cordy Tunnel. The course then takes runners past the majestic Koekelberg Basilica, the Royal Palace of Laeken and the iconic Atomium, to mention just a few tourist highlights. The finish line is on the brand-new track of the King Baudouin Stadium.
Sporting competition
At top sport level, we are looking forward to the performances of star Kenyan runners Felix Mutai Kipsang (31) and Simon Kipkosgei (24). Kipkosgei has a personal best time of 2:07:07 in the marathon and finished fourth in the Nairobi Marathon (2022) and Eindhoven Marathon (2021) in recent years. The pace will be co-determined by experienced pacer Martin Cheruiyot (36), winner of the Marathon d’Annecy earlier this year.
There will also be a charity run on 1 October. The Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon is supporting the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity, an organisation dedicated to research into a cure for Parkinson’s disease. The extra visibility will boost their research. Participants can donate using the online registration form.
In addition, the Brussels Race for The Cure by Think Pink will once again be integrated into the event. Participants with their hearts in the right place can choose between 10 km (run) or 4 km (walk) thereby supporting breast cancer patients in Europe.
Online registration for all distances is open until 30 September 2023 – 11:59pm.
