Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium
The Bruges Marathon attracts about 2,500 finishers through the UNESCO-listed medieval city of Bruges in Belgium. The course passes the Belfry, the Markt square, and the canals that earned Bruges the nickname 'Venice of the North.' Flat Flemish terrain and fairy-tale scenery make it one of Europe's most picturesque small marathons.
Bruges Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Bruges Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
The Bruges Marathon is a very flat loop starting and finishing in the Markt beside the Belfry, winding past canals, Minnewater Lake, and the UNESCO-listed centre before heading into the Flemish countryside. Spectators fill the Markt and line the canal-side sections through the medieval core.
The Bruges Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
For the Bruges Marathon, the race is held as part of Bruges Night Run events. Registration is at https://www.bruggenightrun.be/.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Bruges.
The Gent Marathon (Ghent Marathon) draws about 4,500 finishers each October through Flanders' medieval university city. The course passes the Gravensteen castle, the Graslei waterfront, and the Saint Bavo's Cathedral on flat Scheldt valley terrain. October autumn weather and cobblestone-free main roads make it Belgium's charming eastern marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027
The Brussels Airport Marathon draws about 3,500 finishers each October on a course linking Brussels city centre with the airport zone and the Sonian Forest. The route passes the Atomium, the Cinquantenaire Park, and the EU quarter. October Brussels weather and a mix of urban and forest scenery define this Belgian capital marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
The Brussels Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 11k finishers on an urban road in Brussels, Belgium. The course starts and finishes at the Parc du Cinquantenaire. The route passes the Grand Place, Atomium, and the European Quarter. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
The Rotterdam Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 16k finishers on an urban road in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The course starts and finishes on the Coolsingel in the city centre. One of Europe's fastest courses, with only minor bridge gradients.
Next race: Sunday, 11 April 2027
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