Ten good reasons

2. A new course: faster than ever
Brussels is not flat but, compared to the old course on the other side of the city, the gradients have drastically decreased. The course is surprising and varied and should allow everyone to set a quick time.

3. An iconic finish
After an amazing passage past the Atomium, you run along the Avenue de Marathon in the direction of King Baudouin Stadium. The majestic finish is on the same athletics track that will host the Allianz Memorial Van Damme Diamond League Meeting a few weeks before. You will receive your medal in this unique location to the approval and applause of the supporters in the stands. It is bound to give you goosebumps

4. Brussels is a compact city
When you are in Brussels you are in the heart of Europe, literally and figuratively. It is less than two hours by train to get to the centre of Brussels from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne. It is a compact city where you can move around easily by metro, tram and bus.

5. For the entire family
The seasoned athlete will be catered for during the 42.195 km through Brussels but the programme also features the renewed Brussels Airport Half Marathon, a 10km and 5 km (walk) in addition to the marathon as well as a Kids Run in the Parc de Laeken. There is something for everyone.

6. Running for charity
The Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon supports the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity, which carries out scientific research into a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Join us, run through the heart of Europe and give this vital research a boost with your donation.

7. Running together with participants from all over the World
The Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon is becoming increasingly international with runners from 105 countries participating in the last edition. The start in the heart of city, close to many of the European Institutions, fits perfectly with that international image.

8. The most cosmopolitan city on the continent
The city has a distinct international character. It’s a character that suits people from Brussels. They love everything that is inter, multi, cosmo or diverse. It is in their genes. Nowhere else in Europe can you find a city with a higher percentage of people of foreign origin. They are proud of their cosmopolitan identity here.

9. Brussels is alive
Thanks to its cultural diversity and young population Brussels is a very lively community. It is alive any time of day and in every language. Brussels holds more than 23,000 cultural events each year.

10. “Après l’effort, le réconfort”
After the marathon you can probably only think of one thing: food, right? The Belgian capital offers an incredible number of good restaurants in a relatively small area. 17 Michelin stars and a few thousand different cuisines, with influences from all over the world, mean that the culinary bar is very high. But be sure to try our classic three: fries, chocolate and beer.

Runners from all over the world will put on their running shoes for this amazing race. Will you?