BRUSSELS/LEUVEN – The first-ever European Running Championships are set to energize the streets of Brussels and Leuven this weekend, drawing over 300 elite athletes and more than 28,000 recreational runners to compete across six races.
The inaugural edition of the championships features three main disciplines: the marathon (42.2 km), half-marathon (21.1 km), and the 10 km race.
While the half-marathon and 10 km events will take place in Leuven, the marathon will start at Place Royal in Brussels and end in the Flemish university city, creating a unique cross-city experience.
The event kicks off on Saturday at 10:00 with the women’s and men’s half-marathon in Leuven. On Sunday morning, the 10 km race begins at 09:30, followed by the marathon at 10:15. King Philippe of Belgium will give the honorary start signal for the marathon at the royal square in Brussels, adding a ceremonial flourish to the weekend.
The marathon course promises a scenic and historic route, as runners traverse Rue de la Loi past the iconic Berlaymont building, then head through Woluwe and Tervuren before making a straight push to Leuven. All races, apart from the marathon, begin and end at Parkpoort on the Leuven ring road.
Leuven serves as the central hub of the Championships, hosting the start and finish of both the 10 km and half-marathon.
The routes highlight the city’s landmarks, with runners tackling the steep Keizersberg climb, skimming the banks of the Vaart, and weaving through the vibrant city centre.
The final 4 km of all three races are identical—leading runners from the Vaartkom through Bondgenotenlaan and Ladeuzeplein, concluding with a final 600-metre stretch back to Parkpoort.
Anticipation is building not just among amateurs, but also among fans hoping for Belgian glory. Juliette Thomas and Chloé Herbiet are strong contenders in the women’s half-marathon, ranked second and fourth fastest on the start list, respectively.
Meanwhile, Isaac Kimeli, a veteran of international competition, is eyeing a podium finish in the men’s 10 km, where he holds the third-fastest time.
However, the competition will be fierce. The men’s 10 km features reigning European champion Dominic Lobalu, while the women’s race will see Olympic silver medallist Nadia Battocletti aiming to dominate.
With 12,500 runners registered for the marathon alone, Sunday’s race is poised to be the largest marathon ever held in Belgium. Participants, both elite and recreational, will gather at the Philips site by Parkpoort before and after the races.
To accommodate the crowds and create a festive atmosphere, Leuven is transforming its Ladeuzeplein into a lively fan village complete with large screens, music, and entertainment. A dedicated supporters’ zone near the podium will allow fans to cheer on the victors as they are awarded their medals.
The European Running Championships promise a thrilling mix of athletic excellence, community spirit, and urban spectacle—setting a high bar for future editions of this continental event.
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