On Sunday 1 October, runners will take over Brussels once again! The 18th edition of the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon will start right in the city centre and the runners will finish in the King Baudouin Stadium. The programme also features a 10 km and a kids run!                    

This year, the start of the marathon and half marathon is moving from the Atomium to Place De Brouckère in the city centre. But even before running a full metre, participants will already experience their first highlight. After all, they can collect their participant pack from one of the most beautiful squares in the world: the Grand Place, at a stone’s throw from the Place De Brouckère.

“The Grand Place is iconic for Brussels and known worldwide and is part and parcel of the international running festival that the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon has become over the years,” said Thomas Huyberechts of organiser Golazo sports. “Just like last year, the finish is in the King Baudouin Stadium, which will soon have a brand-new track.”

The full course of the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half marathon will be revealed soon. One thing is certain though, all distances will go in the direction of the Atomium in the final stages. The runners will reach the King Baudouin Stadium – where three weeks before the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon, the world’s top athletes will be based for the Allianz Memorial Van Damme – via the Avenue de Marathon. Nothing could be more appropriate.

Besides the marathon and half marathon, the programme also includes a 10km. The little ones can have fun on the 1km Kids Run. Both distances start and finish at the King Baudouin Stadium.

Benoit Hellings, first alderman of the City of Brussels in charge of Sports and Climate: “Brussels, as the capital of Europe, owes it to itself to have a top-level marathon and this course with its start in the historic heart, is certainly ticking all of the boxes. So, see you in Brussels on 1 October.”

Sven Gatz, Brussels Minister of Finance, Budget, Civil Service and Multilingualism and the Image of Brussels: “Together with the organisers, we are delighted that the Brussels marathon will finally run along our beautiful avenues, iconic squares, historic streets and green city lungs again. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for athletes and supporters in the historic setting of our European capital.”

Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, also concurred: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with this important sporting event, which will be welcoming both amateur athletes and professional runners from around the world to the heart of Europe, for another three years. The Brussels Airport Marathon is a great way to discover Brussels and its tourist attractions. We also look forward to encouraging our entire airport community to take part in this event that brings people from different backgrounds together and connects them, to the image of the millions of passengers who pass through our airport.”

Registration for all distances of the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon is open from Thursday 13 April at 11am.