Brussels — The 19th edition of the Brussels Airport Marathon saw a record-breaking turnout on Sunday as 18,000 participants registered for the event, marking the highest number of runners in the marathon’s history.
Under a cloudy but dry sky, runners assembled in the heart of Brussels at De Brouckère to embark on the challenging course, showcasing the city’s urban and green landscapes.
The marathon festivities began early, with participants in the half marathon setting off from De Brouckère at approximately 9:00 a.m.
Nearly an hour later, around 9:50 a.m., full marathon runners commenced their 42.195-kilometre journey through the city, highlighting a new and refreshed course for this year’s event.
This year, the route featured a grand “royal finish” at the Royal Palace, adding a regal element to the achievement for all runners.
Incorporating substantial changes from previous years, the marathon route allowed participants to explore various districts and nature-rich areas surrounding Brussels.
After leaving the city centre, marathon runners passed through the Anny Cordy Tunnel, a long passage that led them towards Brussels’ more verdant zones, including the Ganshoren nature reserve and parks in Jette.
The scenic route provided a balance between the vibrant urban architecture and Brussels’ natural beauty, a combination that organizers said made this year’s marathon particularly memorable for participants.
The courses for the half marathon and the full marathon converged again as runners approached the Heizel Plateau, guiding them through some of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks.
Participants raced down Avenue Lambermont, passed through the historic Parc du Cinquantenaire, and made their way down Rue de la Loi, edging closer to the grand finish line in front of the Royal Palace.
In addition to the marathon and half marathon, the event included a shorter 7-kilometre run and a 1-kilometre kids’ run, making it accessible to a wider range of participants and creating an inclusive atmosphere for runners of all ages and abilities.
Both shorter events started and finished at the Royal Palace, ensuring that all participants enjoyed a taste of the marathon’s iconic “royal finish.”
With such a large turnout, the marathon inevitably led to traffic disruptions throughout Brussels on Sunday morning. Various streets in and around the city were closed, with several tunnels also temporarily shut down to accommodate the event.
Authorities worked closely with marathon organizers to manage traffic flow and ensure the safety of both participants and spectators. Roads were gradually reopened following the event’s conclusion, with normal traffic flow restored by approximately 3:00 p.m.
The Brussels Airport Marathon has grown steadily in popularity, drawing runners from all over Belgium and beyond to experience the charm and challenge of running through the nation’s capital.
This year’s record-breaking attendance and scenic new route have further solidified the marathon’s reputation as a premier event in the city’s sports calendar, leaving participants and organizers looking forward to what next year’s edition might bring.
