Belgium offers flat, well-organised and affordable marathons, all within easy reach by train. Ghent in spring and Antwerp in autumn are the two biggest, but Leuven, Namur, Charleroi, Visé, Liège and Bruges each have their own character. Here are the 8 best marathons in Belgium for 2027, with dates, prices and how to enter.
The short answer
- The biggest: Ghent (21 March 2027), with a record 5,650 marathon runners in 2026. Entries open.
- In spring: Namur (4 April), Leuven (11 April), Charleroi (25 April), Visé (2 May) and the Beer Lovers’ Marathon in Liège (16 May).
- In autumn: Bruges (early October) and Antwerp (24 October 2027).
- Brussels: no marathon is scheduled in 2027. The City of Brussels decided in late 2025 that the race would no longer run on its territory.
Contents
The 8 best marathons in Belgium
1. Ghent Marathon: Belgium’s biggest marathon
The Sofico Gent Marathon started with 1,100 runners in 2017. It drew around 20,000 in 2025, and the 2026 edition had a record 5,650 marathon entrants. The course crosses the historic centre, passes the three towers and finishes on the indoor track of the Topsporthal. The climbing is modest, about 115 m.
- Date: Sunday 21 March 2027 (10th edition)
- Entry: open since 8 September 2026, online until 20 March 2027 while places last. No race-day entry. Marathon price in tiers: €90, €105, €110 then €115 as places fill up.
- Distances: marathon and half marathon
- Best for: a fast, lively early-spring marathon. It comes early, so your training will be in mid-winter.
2. Antwerp Marathon: two loops along the Scheldt
The TREK Antwerp Marathon takes place in October. The course is two 21.0975 km loops through the city: the Meir, Antwerp Central Station and the Scheldt quays, with a finish at the foot of the MAS museum. Only about 50 m of climbing. In 2025 it drew nearly 20,000 runners, about 5,500 of them in the marathon.
- Date: Sunday 24 October 2027, according to the AIMS calendar.
- Time limit: 5h30, with 11 aid stations.
- Distances: 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: a flat autumn marathon for an end-of-season PB.
3. Leuven Marathon: the newcomer that’s already a hit
First edition on 19 April 2026: 17,900 participants, 3,300 of them in the marathon. Pieter Dewortelaer won in 2:26:23 and Hanna Vandenbussche in 2:45:46. The course passes the Grote Markt twice, crosses the Heverlee forest on wide gravel paths (between km 14 and km 21) and finishes with long flat straights along the canal.
- Date: Sunday 11 April 2027
- Entry: open online until 10 April 2027 unless the distance sells out. Marathon from €90 to €115 depending on the number of entrants.
- Elevation: 243 m on the 2026 course. The 2027 route is still being finalised.
- Best for: runners who like varied scenery, city and forest, without chasing a time at all costs.
4. Namur Marathon: along the Meuse
The Baloise Namur Marathon starts at the Wépion lock. It runs two out-and-backs along the Meuse, then finishes with the 10K loop to Namur Expo. The stated climbing is 239 m. It’s the big spring marathon in French-speaking Belgium.
- Date: Sunday 4 April 2027, 9:30am start
- Entry: marathon €69, €79 then €89 depending on bib number (excluding fees). Total cap of 14,500 runners across all races.
- Distances: 10K, half marathon, marathon and kids’ race
- Best for: a first marathon in Wallonia at a reasonable price.
5. Charleroi Marathon: one loop and a wall at km 30
Created in 2024, the Charleroi International Marathon is a single 42.195 km loop. It passes through the Bois de la Charbonnière, Wespes and Aulne, where the “wall of 30” awaits. You return along the Sambre quays to finish at the Grand Palais. Expect 260 m of climbing.
- Date: Sunday 25 April 2027
- Entry: marathon from €60 to €70 depending on the number of entrants, plus 5% bank fees.
- Distances: 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: runners who want a demanding course and a friendly-sized race.
6. Maasmarathon de la Basse-Meuse: between Belgium and the Netherlands
Start and finish on Place Reine Astrid in Visé, near Liège. The loop follows quiet roads along the Meuse and passes through Maastricht and Eijsden castle on the Dutch side. The course is flat and fast.
- Date: Sunday 2 May 2027
- Distances: 7K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: a quiet, flat marathon covering two countries.
7. Beer Lovers’ Marathon in Liège: 16 beers, 16 aid stations
Here, the clock comes second. The race starts at the Palais des Congrès in Liège. Each of the 16 aid stations offers water, food and a different Belgian beer, with a DJ or a brass band. In the second half, fries, black pudding, cheese and waffles join the menu.
- Date: Sunday 16 May 2027
- Entry: open, with three price tiers until 30 April 2027.
- Tip: water isn’t unlimited at every aid station. Carry your own.
- Best for: experienced marathoners who want a party, not a PB.
8. Bruges Marathon: canals then the Flemish countryside
The Athora Bruges Marathon is a single loop. It starts among the medieval towers and canals, heads out to the countryside and the village of Damme, then returns to finish in the centre. The course is flat. The last edition, on 11 October 2026, drew more than 1,000 marathon runners.
- Date: early October 2027, date not yet announced
- Entry: the marathon cost €110 in 2026. The 2027 price isn’t published yet.
- Distances: marathon, half marathon and 8 km walk
- Best for: a flat autumn marathon in one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities, with small crowds.
Bruges and Antwerp fall in October, at the same time as other fast classics such as the Amsterdam Marathon.
Which Belgian marathon should you choose?
| Race | 2027 date | Season | Main highlight | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghent | 21 March | Spring | Belgium’s biggest marathon | €90 to €115, open |
| Namur | 4 April | Spring | Along the Meuse | €69 to €89 (excl. fees) |
| Leuven | 11 April | Spring | City and forest | €90 to €115, open |
| Charleroi | 25 April | Spring | One loop, wall at km 30 | €60 to €70 + fees |
| Visé (Maasmarathon) | 2 May | Spring | Flat, two countries | Official website |
| Liège (Beer Lovers’) | 16 May | Spring | 16 Belgian beers | Official website |
| Bruges | Early October (TBA) | Autumn | Flat, canals and countryside | €110 in 2026 |
| Antwerp | 24 October | Autumn | Two flat loops | Official website |
Chasing a PB? Ghent in spring or Antwerp in autumn are the flattest and busiest. Prefer a smaller race? Look at Namur, Visé or Bruges.
How to prepare for a marathon in Belgium
- Allow 16 to 20 weeks. For Ghent on 21 March, start in late November or early December. For Bruges or Antwerp in October, start in June.
- Train in wind and rain. Flemish courses are flat but often exposed. Do a few long runs in grey weather to test your kit.
- Work on your marathon pace. On flat courses like Ghent, Antwerp or Visé, even pacing makes your time. Calculate your split times and practise holding them.
- Check the elevation before choosing. Leuven (243 m), Namur (239 m) and Charleroi (260 m) aren’t courses for a lifetime PB. Adjust your goal.
A plan built around your race date
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FAQ
What is the biggest marathon in Belgium?
Ghent. The 2026 edition drew a record 5,650 marathon runners, and nearly 20,000 runners in total in 2025. Antwerp is close behind, with about 5,500 marathon runners in 2025.
Is there a Brussels Marathon in 2027?
No, no marathon is scheduled in Brussels in 2027. In November 2025, the City of Brussels announced that the marathon would no longer run on its territory. Look at Ghent, Leuven or Antwerp instead.
Which Belgian marathon is best for a first marathon?
Namur, Visé or Bruges: smaller fields, reasonable prices and little or no climbing in Visé and Bruges. Ghent also works if you like the buzz of a big race.
How much does a marathon in Belgium cost?
About €60 to €115 for races with published 2027 prices: €60 to €70 in Charleroi, €69 to €89 in Namur, €90 to €115 in Ghent and Leuven. Prices often rise as places fill: sign up early.
Considering a neighbouring country? Compare with our best marathons in Germany and our top 10 flattest marathons.
Ready to run your marathon in Belgium? Start your 7-day free trial and let RunMotion Coach build your plan all the way to race day.
Updated 28 October 2026.
