Brussels, Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
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.
Brussels Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Brussels Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026 with a 10:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 82 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
The Brussels Marathon is a loop starting and finishing at Parc du Cinquantenaire, touring the Grand Place, the Atomium, and the European Quarter. Gentle undulations are the main terrain change, and spectators line the Cinquantenaire and city-centre approaches.
The Brussels Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 82 metres of climbing and 82 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Brussels Marathon uses open online registration at brusselsmarathon.be with no ballot or qualifying time. Entry usually opens in the first quarter of the year for the October race and remains available until the field limit is reached. Tiered pricing rewards early sign-up, and charity places are offered through partner organisations for runners seeking an alternative route.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Brussels.
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 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 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.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
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