Bruges Marathon 2024

Venice is so renowned that many towns across Europe are likened to it: for instance, Annecy is dubbed the Venice of the Alps, Nantes was once called the Venice of the West, and Bruges earns the nickname Venice of the North 🤓. As the capital of West Flanders, it hosts the Athora Great Bruges Marathon in October. So come join us across the border, and let's explore this must-do event in the Belgian running calendar 🍻.

The Athora Great Bruges Marathon is a race that takes you through the wonders of the city and its surroundings. Whatever your level, there's a distance that suits you: the marathon will delight the most seasoned runners 🏃, while regular runners will flock to the half marathon 😎. If you're not up for tackling these longer distances 💪, you can always opt for the 8 km walk, allowing you to enjoy the city's beauty at your own pace 😌.

You might not know (at least, not yet), but Bruges is a city rich in culture and heritage. Its canals, as a point of comparison with Venice, are what make Brugge famous. From the small boats 🛥️ gliding on the water, tourists can admire the majestic Belfries, huge towers used for keeping watch 🕶️. The Belfry of Bruges, standing next to the city hall and towering at 83 meters 🤯, offers a splendid view of the city and its outskirts to those who brave its steps 😯. With a good pair of binoculars and clear skies ☀️, you might even catch a glimpse of the North Sea.

Chocolate 🍫 is the city's staple food, enjoyed in countless ways 😋. Of course, you can savor the classic Belgian specialties, like mussels, fries 🍟, or waffles. The city also has its own unique dishes, such as waterzooi, similar to our Marseille's bouillabaisse 🍲, Flemish rabbit 🐇, shrimp tomatoes 🦐, and Bruges-style pork fillet, where the meat is cooked in beer 🍺. Speaking of which, this beverage (to be consumed in moderation, but you already know that 🤨), plays a significant role in Bruges culture: it's estimated that 350 of the 1500 Belgian beers originate from Bruges, a lifetime might not be enough to taste them all…

Has this description whet your appetite? 🤤 Then, see you in October for the Bruges Marathon 🥳.