Brussels is set to host the much-anticipated 45th edition of the Brussels 20 km race this Sunday, drawing over 45,000 participants including runners, walkers, and para-athletes.
This celebrated event, which winds through key landmarks of the Belgian capital, has grown into a major sporting occasion on the city’s calendar, attracting a highly diverse and increasingly younger crowd.
This year, the race boasts an impressive representation of 141 nationalities, highlighting its international appeal. Notably, women now make up 45.3% of the participants — a significant increase of 4 percentage points compared to last year.
The event has also seen a notable rise in athletes with disabilities, with 1,800 participants in wheelchairs or with other physical challenges registered this year — a 33% increase over 2023.
Carine Verstraeten, spokesperson for the organiser Brussels Promotion, emphasized the importance of inclusion and safety at the event.
“We also see that the audience is getting younger every year,” she said. “We would like to repeat that it is important that everyone runs at their own pace, so everyone finishes safely.”
The event will commence early in the Parc de Cinquantenaire, a historic park in the heart of Brussels. The race kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the para-athletes, followed by six waves of runners starting from 10:00 a.m.
Walkers will set off at 11:30 a.m., ensuring all participants have ample time and space to complete the course at their comfort level. The 20-kilometre route offers participants a scenic tour through some of Brussels’ most iconic areas.
Starting at the Parc de Cinquantenaire, runners will navigate a loop passing through Schuman, the Palais de Justice, Avenue Louise, Bois de la Cambre, Chaussée de la Hulpe, Parc de Woluwe, Montgomery, and Merode before finishing back at the Parc de Cinquantenaire in a new finish zone.
To accommodate the large number of participants, organisers have arranged free changing rooms in the Royal Army Museum, located within the Parc de Cinquantenaire. Lockers will also be available for a small fee to secure personal belongings during the race.
Health and safety remain a priority with medical advice readily accessible on the event’s official website. The Belgian Red Cross will have a strong presence along the route, deploying over 600 volunteers to provide support and assistance to runners and walkers if needed.
Given the scale of the event, substantial traffic disruptions are expected. Car traffic will be halted along the entire race route on Sunday morning, while trams and buses operated by Brussels’ public transport company STIB/MIVB will also experience service interruptions. Commuters and residents are advised to plan accordingly.
Tickets for individual participants were in high demand, selling out in less than 20 minutes after becoming available, underlining the enduring popularity of the Brussels 20 km race.
This milestone event promises to be a vibrant celebration of sport, diversity, and community spirit, as thousands come together to run through the Belgian capital’s streets.
With its growing inclusivity and enthusiastic participation, the Brussels 20 km race continues to inspire people of all ages and abilities to embrace an active lifestyle in the heart of Europe.
