Hello everyone ๐, after a successful 2025 in Louvain with the European Running Championships ๐. In 2026, the running pace continues and a new event appears โญ๏ธ, the Louvain Marathon. An event that promises to be simply exceptional, taking place in the city of Louvain in Belgium ๐ง๐ช. 6 months before the race, they have already registered over 10,000 participants, imagine ๐ณ. Be warned, they are preparing the city to host a true festival of running. It is often said that the Flemish have warm hearts โค๏ธโ๐ฅ, given you'll be there in temperatures between 4ยฐ and 15ยฐ, we hope the saying is true! ๐คญ Anyway, let's hope your month of April isnโt packed, because this race is just waiting for you to kick off this very first edition! ๐ฌ
Make your legs blaze, and come run in the beautiful Flemish region ๐. Yes, yes, for the second time, Louvain hosts a legendary race. In 2025, 28,000 participants gathered for a European race ๐ช๐บ and yes, it was a tremendous success! The city couldn't stop there, so the Leuven Marathon is taking over the torch ๐ฅ. What better than the mythical distance of the Marathon to follow the trend โญ๏ธ. Of course, 42.195 km, just that, an iconic distance, that can only make proud all those who take it on ๐ช. With a start in the city center, you can embark on a well-animated race that will surely motivate you! You'll pass through the Brabant Forests ๐ณ, so don't get lost among the trees! Naturally, there's the Half-marathon, a great distance to be part of the magic ๐ช of running. With a course that will surprise you with its beautiful landscapes, itโs a distance to celebrate! ๐ฅณ Finally, a 10 km, yes usually these three distances go hand in hand ๐. So no fuss, thereโs a distance for everyone, you'll find what suits you best! What's sure, donโt doubt the atmosphere waiting for you. Volunteers and spectators will be there to promise you a crazy atmosphere ๐. Music, cheering, and joy, like a real festival, we told you! ๐คฉ
And an after-run in this city is far from wasted time. With all the visits and tastings ๐, you have plenty to satisfy you, for a nice extended weekend. Louvain is known for its typical Flanders city architecture ๐. We therefore advise a stroll through the alleys and a stop at Grote Markt, no, no, it's not a cave, but indeed the town square โจ. The Saint Peter's Church and the City Hall are two must-sees to be amazed ๐คฏ. There are loads of visits to be done in the city, and donโt forget you're not far from the capital! "Brussels, I love you, Brussels, I love you" ๐ซถ. Yes, less than an hour by car or train ๐, you can visit this wonderful city. But grrrr, we hear the bellies rumbling of food enthusiasts. Don't worry, you must know well... Yes "fries, fries, fries "๐. In the country of this well-loved specialty ๐, you can obviously find the best cones of fries. Apparently, ๐ Het Grotteke is one of the best chip shops in Louvain. In the region, the Flemish stew ๐ฒ is also well known. Since a sweet touch is always appreciated, to finish off well, a little Brussels waffle ๐ง will be perfect.
In summary, a lively, deserved, and packed race, followed by the discovery of a beautiful Belgian city, accompanied by a tasty meal ๐ซ. Of course, it sounds tempting, so grab your bib number quickly, the spots are filling up fast! โก๏ธ
Ready to walk (well, run) in the footsteps of the European champions 2025? ๐
The start is the same as that of the 2025 European Running Championships: you will begin from the ring at the Sportoase ๐๏ธ. You will dive directly into history by passing in front of the Gothic Town Hall and Sint-Pieters Church โช. You will then escape to the south for a full immersion in the Heverleebos, in the heart of the Brabant Forests National Park ๐ฒ. Between km 14 and km 21, enjoy the wide forest avenues to find your cruising speed ๐จ.
After a second passage on the Grand Place, head towards the canal for an ultra-smooth section ๐ง. It's time to keep a cool head: long straight lines await you to smoothly overcome the famous 30 km wall ๐งฑ. For the final, you will find the excitement of the city center before finishing your journey exactly where the pros won their medals ๐ฅ. Crossing this line at the Sportoase will make you the new boss of Leuven! ๐
Here we go for Belgium! ๐ง๐ช
The start is a grand spectacle at Sportoase, also on the tracks of the 2025 European Running Championships ๐. You kick off the action with 4 km shared with the other rockets of the day ๐, greeting the Town Hall and the Sint-Pieters Church along the way โช. Save some energy: the Keizersberg quickly rises before you as the major challenge of the course โฐ๏ธ.
Once this hill (making up a large part of the 83 mD+) is conquered, it's time for pure speed! ๐จ The descent towards Wilsele leads you to the canal banks for an ultra-smooth section ๐๏ธ. It's the perfect spot to set your pace and keep the watts going on this ribbon of asphalt without sharp turns ๐ง. You then return to the electric atmosphere of the city center for the grand finale. The finish line at Sportoase is waiting for you to collect your finisher's medal, right where the European elites made history ๐ฅ.
Ready for an urban sprint with character? โก๏ธ
The 10 km in Louvain is a concentrate of speed and self-challenge ๐. As with the other routes, you start from the Sportoase for a royal beginning: the Parkstraat and the Naamsestraat take you straight to the Grand Place โช. It's here that you catch the gaze of the statues of the Gothic Town Hall before heading toward the Sint-Pieters Church ๐คณ.
But be careful not to get distracted by the surroundings! ๐๏ธ The pack rushes at full speed towards the Keizersberg, the "judge of peace" of this distance ๐ฌ. Once this challenge is overcome, all that's left is to let loose and complete the loop ๐. You finish your effort in style at the Sportoase, just like in other races and previous years ๐ฅ. A well-deserved finisher's medal awaits to affirm your status as a local champion! ๐
You can pick up your race bib at the Sportoase Philipssite in Leuven:
Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 AM to 6 PM
Sunday, April 19, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM
Remember to bring the e-ticket you received via email to make the process smoother.
The races will start at Parkpoort, near the Sportoase, on Sunday, April 19, 2026:
Between 9 AM and 9:30 AM for the marathon and the 10 km
Between 2:15 PM and 2:45 PM for the half marathon
Your exact time will depend on your starting corral.
Yes, here they are:
Marathon: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Half Marathon: 3 hours
10 km: 1 hour and 20 minutes
The prices for the race bibs are:
Marathon: โฌ115
Half Marathon: โฌ63
10 km: โฌ32
Yes, the age requirements are:
Marathon: 18 years old by 04/19/2026
Half Marathon: 16 years old by 04/19/2026
10 km: 12 years old by 04/19/2026
Your registration includes:
Personalized bib with your first name
Exclusive medal for every finisher
Unique event T-shirt for each marathon participant upon registration
Refreshment points along the course and at the finish line
Storage space for your sports gear and changing rooms
Accurate mileage and time indications on the course and at the finish line
Complete results, available live on the website
Detailed course map for each distance, with refreshment points marked
Sportinez insurance during the event
Electronic chip for precise timing
Yes, the organization will provide lockers and changing rooms.
A unique number sticker will be placed on your bag, and you will receive a matching number sticker to attach to your bracelet or bib. To retrieve your belongings, simply show your number and the sticker.
If you have any further questions, you can contact the organizers by filling out this form: https://leuvenmarathon.com/fr/contactez-nous/
To become a volunteer for this race, you need to submit your application through this form: https://leuvenmarathon.com/fr/benevoles/
You can check the race rules here
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