The sixth edition of the Athora Great Bruges Marathon will take place on Sunday 15 October. Runners and walkers can start preparing for a marathon, half marathon or Family Walk through the beautiful historic city centre of Bruges. Registration is now open!
Runners in this autumn marathon can choose a marathon or half marathon, and there is an 8 km Family Walk for walkers. Traditionally, this marathon attracts a large number of international participants who combine this running event with a city trip to Bruges. Last year, as much as 20% of the more than 5,000 participants came from abroad. The organisation of the marathon is a major boost for accommodation tourism.
All distances start and finish in the heart of the city. The starting shot will sound on the Dijver and the finish lies in the shadow of the Belfry on the Grote Markt. More details about the course will be revealed later, but there is no doubt that the flat course will offer the (half) marathon runners the opportunity to aim for a fast finish time. What’s more, the course traditionally passes by all the picturesque and famous highlights of Bruges.
“We are the title sponsor of the Athora Great Bruges Marathon for the fifth year in a row,” says Dorsan van Hecke, CEO Athora Belgium. “We hope to attract a lot of international participants again this year, especially our colleagues from Germany, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands. It will undoubtedly be another top event.”
Franky Demon, Councillor for Sport: “The Athora Great Bruges Marathon is a fixture on our sports calendar and an unmissable event for running enthusiasts, walkers and supporters of sport. Many great international cities have their own marathon on the calendar every year and Bruges did not want to miss being on that list. The setting offered by our historic city, combined with the green belt, makes for a not-to-be-missed experience. Our Markt is an iconic place to finish. Thousands of Belgian and international running enthusiasts want to add this unique finish line to their record. The marathon creates moments of euphoria, the medal is a sought-after souvenir of our city. I am already looking forward to this top day of sports for Bruges!”
PRACTICAL INFO ATHORA GREAT BRUGES MARATHON
Programme Saturday 14 October 2023:
Collection of bib numbers: 12 – 5pm
Programme Sunday 15 October 2023:
- Collection of bib numbers: 8:30am – 10:30am
- Start Athora Great Bruges Marathon for runners: 10am
- Start Athora Great Bruges Half Marathon for runners: 10am
- Start Athora Great Bruges Family Walk (8 km): 10:30am
