The Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon is back on Sunday 2 October after a forced absence of two years. What’s more, the event can reveal a completely new course starting underneath the Atomium and finishing on the track of the King Baudouin Stadium.
“After a two-year absence, we are really looking forward to seeing the thousands of runners, men and women, running through our streets for 42 km of sporting pleasure. It is an ideal time to reunite and participate in sports together. So see you on October 2.” said Benoit Hellings, alderman of Sport of the City of Brussels.
The 17th edition of the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon will follow a completely new course. From the Heysel Plateau to the centre and back again with stretches along the Royal Palace. “As the capital of Europe, Brussels owes it to itself to have a marathon of quality and that is certainly the case with this course, which starts under the Atomium”, said Benoit Hellings, alderman of Sport of the City of Brussels.
Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, concurs: “We are extremely delighted that we can once again help support this wonderful sports event after an interruption of two years. We are very much looking forward to welcoming runners from all over the world in the heart of Europe again, to take on this sports challenge and to discover the touristic highlights of our country, and we also see a lot of enthusiasm among the employees of our airport community to participate. Exercising together brings people together, in the same way that travelling does, and to be able to run together again on a unique course straight through our capital starting from the Atomium, is an absolute treat to look forward to!”.
In addition to the marathon , the programme also features the renewed Brussels Airport Half Marathon and a few shorter distances. The little ones can let off steam in the Kids Run in the Parc de Laeken.
International audience
The Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon receive more international acclaim every year. The previous edition welcomed participants from no fewer than 105 countries at the start. A third of all participants does not live in Belgium. The event is predominantly popular in neighbouring countries judging by the large number of French, Dutch, German and British runners who signed up for taking part in the capital of Europe in previous years.
The start by the Atomium, probably the best-known symbol of our country, is also entirely befitting its international image.
Brussels Airport
“42.195 km becoming an international calling card! From now on, Brussels has a new sports attraction thanks to the marathon. The carefully chosen course starts from the Atomium and winds its way straight through our capital. The Brussels-Capital Region is delighted to have this international event and is already excited to welcome fans of the royal competition of long-distance running on 2 October”, says Sven Gatz, Minister of Finance and Budget in the Brussels Regional Government.
