The Athora Bruges Marathon is once again breaking all records. On Sunday morning, 13,000 participants will line up at the start of the ninth edition, which is completely sold out. With 9,000 runners, the half marathon is the most popular distance, starring three-time Olympian Koen Naert as the best-known participant. 3,500 runners will be taking part in the marathon on Sunday, whilst the 10 km Family Walk will attract 500 participants.
So, another record-breaking edition. Following 9,000 participants in 2024 and 12,000 last year, the Athora Bruges Marathon has kept growing to 13,000 participants. The event is a fixture on the autumn calendar and is more popular than ever.
This popularity extends both locally and internationally: many runners come from Bruges and the surrounding area, but there is also a strong representation from neighbouring countries, with France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands making up the largest groups. In total, runners from more than a hundred countries will be at the starting line on Sunday.
The starting shot for the marathon and half marathon will sound at ’t Zand at 10.00 am on Sunday. The route then winds through Bruges city centre and along the canal to Damme, before returning to Bruges and completing a southern loop past Sint-Michiels and Steenbrugge. As usual, the finish line is on Bruges’ beautiful Market Square. New for marathon runners this year is a section passing the iconic Beguinage.
The route is also particularly appealing for supporters. Thanks to the loop-shaped route, they can cheer on the runners at numerous points both inside and outside the Bruges ring road. And on ’t Zand, everyone can treat themselves to some culinary delights at the Food Market. This naturally applies to the runners as well as to those taking part in the Family Walk, who will set off at 10.45 am on their 10-kilometre walk through Bruges’ beautiful city centre.
“Bruges is one of the most beautiful marathon cities in Europe,” says Thomas Huyberechts of organiser Golazo. “It’s quite unique to see thousands of runners literally run through a UNESCO World Heritage Site during their race. This combination of sport and historic surroundings appeals strongly to both Belgian and international participants and helps explain why the event continues to grow year after year.”
KOEN NAERT TO VALENCIA VIA BRUGES
A very well-known name on the starting line of the half marathon is former European marathon Champion Koen Naert, whose main goal this year is the Valencia Marathon on 3 December. “I’m absolutely delighted to be back in Bruges after a three-year absence,” says the 37-year-old from Oostkamp. “Running in Bruges as part of my preparation for an autumn marathon has always helped me in my build-up. Being able to warm up from home on my way to the start always gives me a nice feeling too. It therefore means a great deal to me to be able to take part in such a wonderful event so close to home, together with so many other sports enthusiasts.”
Dirk De fauw, Mayor of Bruges: “This event beautifully combines sport, experience and international appeal, allowing participants and supporters to discover Bruges in a very special way.” Olivier Strubbe, Councillor for Sport in Bruges adds: “Many major cities have their own marathon, and Bruges deserves to feature on that list. Large-scale, high-quality sporting events like this are a real asset to Bruges’ sporting landscape and put our city on the national and international sporting map.”
Steven Braudo, CEO title partner Athora Belgium: “In recent years, the Athora Bruges Marathon has enjoyed enormous and growing interest. This shows just how popular this event is, both in Bruges and far beyond its borders. We look forward to welcoming thousands of participants and supporters once again on Sunday for a day full of sporting challenges, perseverance and camaraderie, and to experience the unique atmosphere.”
