The fifth edition of the Athora Great Bruges Marathon takes place on Sunday 16 October. This marathon with a culinary flair takes you through the historic city centre of Bruges, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and along a few picturesque polder villages. You can now sign up!
The Athora Great Bruges Marathon has made a conscious decision to stay faithful to its formula for success of previous years. 100% of the parcours is on Bruges’ territory. The start of the marathon is situated by the Dijver in the historic centre. Participants will first head north towards the coast of Zeebrugge and will then turn around to finish in the shadow of the Belfry in the Grote Markt. Along the way, participants will get plenty of opportunities to familiarise themselves with everything that Bruges has to offer passing through picturesque villages such as Lissewege, Koolkerke, Dudzele and Zwankendamme.
The runners and walkers doing the half marathon and the 8 km Family Walk participants will also start and finish in this unique historic setting. As tradition dictates, participants will be spoilt along the route and by the finish with culinary treats that do justice to the distinct gourmand character of Bruges.
International Field of Competitors
“We were extremely proud to welcome close to 6,000 participants under difficult circumstances in October 2021”, says Greg Broekmans from organiser Golazo. “They were mainly from Belgium. Bruges is now an institution as an autumn marathon. This year, we are seeing increasing numbers of international participants.”
Dorsan van Hecke, CEO Athora Belgium, also focuses on the international aspect: “This is the fourth consecutive year that we are the title sponsor of the Athora Great Bruges Marathon and we hope to attract a great many international participants again this year. More specifically, we are thinking of our colleagues from Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. With the announced takeover of Amissima Vita in Italy, we can also add our Italian colleagues to the mix. It will undoubtedly be another top event.”
Bruges’ mayor Dirk De Fauw is also eagerly looking forward to the fifth edition of the Athora Great Bruges Marathon: “With the easing of the rules and spring and summer on the horizon people are more keen than ever to set new goals and make plans. The Athora Great Bruges Marathon is the ideal event for them. There is still time to train and prepare for a robust autumn performance, starting and finishing in our magnificent city centre. We are expecting many compatriots, but gradually also more international participants coming back to this festival of sport.”
Councillor for Sports Franky Demon: “We are making daily efforts to get inhabitants to exercise. A brisk walk can have a positive influence on health. The build up to and preparation for a bigger event are even greater motivators. Recently, the city decided to continue with the Athora Great Bruges Marathon for at least another three years, because it is a top event for both runners and walkers.”
