For the first time in its eight-year history, the Athora Bruges Marathon is completely sold out. 12,000 sports fans have registered for the marathon, half marathon or Family Walk. An absolute premiere for Belgium on Sunday is that there will be ‘ladies-only boxes’ at every supply station.
With 12,000 participants, 3,000 more than last year’s record edition, the Athora Bruges Marathon is one of the most popular running events in the country. The course is fast and appealing.
The start will once again take place on ‘t Zand, in the shadow of the Bruges Concert Hall. The course then winds its way through the beautiful city centre of Bruges and along the Canal of Damme to the charming medieval splendour of Damme. After returning to Bruges, there is a southern loop through Sint-Michiels and Steenbrugge. The finish line is traditionally located in the monumental Market Square of Bruges.
The starting shot for the eighth edition of the Athora Bruges Marathon will sound on Sunday at 10 a.m. The participants in the half marathon will start together with the marathon runners. Finally, at 10.45 a.m., the walkers in the Family Walk will set off on an 8 km tour past the UNESCO World Heritage gems of the historic city centre. They will finish at ‘t Zand. Afterwards, all participants can also enjoy the Food Market there.
New this year for female participants are the ‘ladies-only boxes’, with a free supply of tampons and sanitary towels. These clearly recognisable boxes are located near the toilets at each supply station. In this way, organiser Golazo wants to increase the comfort of women. This is a Belgian first, which will be replicated during the TREK Antwerp Marathon (19 October) and the Brussels Airport Marathon (2 November).
Olivier Strubbe, Counciller for Sport in Bruges: “The Athora Bruges Marathon is a fixture for runners from home and abroad. The course combines nature, history and Bruges charm, starting and finishing in the heart of our UNESCO World Heritage city – a unique setting that gives this race its special character. Runners will discover Bruges in a surprising way, while supporters will enjoy unforgettable scenes. As a city council, we remain committed to high-quality sporting events with an appeal that goes beyond local. Not only do they enrich Bruges’ sporting offering, they also strengthen our position on the sports map nationally and internationally.”
Joachim Coens, Mayor of Damme: “I wish all participants every success and hope they enjoy our beautiful town as they pass through it during their sporting endeavour. It is a unique way to discover Damme.”
Yves Poullet, Athora Belgium CEO: “We are proud to sponsor the Athora Bruges Marathon for the 8th consecutive year, and we are delighted to see the event growing exponentially. The group of Athora participants is also expanding: this year, we will be at the starting line with an enthusiastic group of 450 employees and brokers, joined by their families and friends. This momentum also reflects the broader expansion of the Athora Group as a European leader in savings and retirement solutions.”
