Marathon de Gand

In Belgium, to know is to be able... and in Ghent, 🏃‍♂️ running is giving it your all! 💪

The Ghent Marathon (or Gent if you want to speak Flemish 😎) is Belgium's must-do spring running event 🇧🇪! The last weekend of March, just as winter packs its bags 🧳 and the sun begins to peek out ☀️, you’ll embark on a sporty adventure in a Flemish city of striking charm 🌸. No heatwave turning your jersey into a mop 🥵, no frost to turn you into an ice sculpture 🧊. In short, dream conditions for a perfect stride! Plus, Belgian generosity means you’ll have a choice between 3 distances. If that isn’t a XXL welcome, what is! ✨

Here, no fuss: three formats on the menu to suit everyone! The 11 km for those who want to sample Ghent without wrecking your legs. A relaxed distance that still leaves you energy to explore the city afterwards ⚡️ (and to eat fries, of course 😉). The Semi-Marathon for runners who already have a few long runs under their belt. Finally, the cherry on top 🍰, the Marathon full distance for the bravest who want to push their limits over 42,195 km. After kilometer 30, 20 km, you might question your life choices, but crossing the finish will be all the more beautiful! The big thing to know: 20,000 runners at the start—this is serious! 🔥 The course? A delight! You’ll race on a nearly flat terrain quasi-flat (Flanders didn’t invent mountains, thankfully for you 🙏). However, some stretches on historic cobblestones will remind you that Ghent has a 1,000 years of history under its soles. You’ll weave between the Saint Bavo Cathedral, or the Belfry that overlooks the city 🏰. Don’t miss the magnificent Castle of the Counts dating from the 12th century. It has seen eras and populations come and go, but rarely a runner so determined 🤯. The famous canals will also keep you company for a good portion of the course, with their mirror images of brick buildings 🧱 old. Avoid squinting too much—it’s not the moment for a belly flop! 💦 Pro tip: look ahead and enjoy! 🤓

We strongly recommend turning on the tourist mode during your stay because coming to Ghent just to run would be a huge misstep ❌! First mandatory stop: the Graslei and Korenlei, the most Instagrammable quays in Belgium (your friends will be jealous 📱). Head to the Castle of the Counts to visit this time and play medieval lords 🗡️, or challenge yourself again with climbing the Beffroi. You may have sore legs🦵, but the view is as worth it as your time! 🔔 If you crave culture, don’t hesitate to visit the Museum of Fine Arts 🎨. And if you just need to relax and enjoy, it’s the perfect moment to lie down on the grass of the Citadel Park 🌳. Now, on to gastronomy: you’ve worked hard, so it’s time to recover Belgian-style. Classic frites with their creamy mayo, a hearty waterzooi thick enough to stick to you 🍲, some cuberdons (purple, a bit odd, but delicious) 🍬, and of course a local craft beer 🍻 because you’re still in Belgium (to be enjoyed in moderation)! To finish beautifully, a Liege waffle is a must! 🧇

We’re not talking about tall tales: hogwash, Ghent is a European must for races, gastronomy and heritage. So why hesitate?