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Louvain Marathon 2026

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The event in a few words

Hello everyone ๐Ÿ‘‹, after a successful 2025 in Louvain with the European Running Championships ๐Ÿƒ. 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 ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช. 6 months before the race, they have already registered over 10,000 participants, imagine ๐Ÿ˜ณ. Be warned, they are preparing the city to host a true festival of running. It is often said that the Flemish have warm hearts โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ”ฅ, given you'll be there in temperatures between 4ยฐ and 15ยฐ, we hope the saying is true! ๐Ÿคญ Anyway, let's hope your month of April isnโ€™t packed, because this race is just waiting for you to kick off this very first edition! ๐ŸŽฌ

Make your legs blaze, and come run in the beautiful Flemish region ๐Ÿ’ž. Yes, yes, for the second time, Louvain hosts a legendary race. In 2025, 28,000 participants gathered for a European race ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ and yes, it was a tremendous success! The city couldn't stop there, so the Leuven Marathon is taking over the torch ๐Ÿ”ฅ. 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 ๐Ÿ’ช. 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 ๐ŸŒณ, so don't get lost among the trees! Naturally, there's the Half-marathon, a great distance to be part of the magic ๐Ÿช„ of running. With a course that will surprise you with its beautiful landscapes, itโ€™s a distance to celebrate! ๐Ÿฅณ Finally, a 10 km, yes usually these three distances go hand in hand ๐Ÿ”. So no fuss, thereโ€™s a distance for everyone, you'll find what suits you best! What's sure, donโ€™t doubt the atmosphere waiting for you. Volunteers and spectators will be there to promise you a crazy atmosphere ๐Ÿ˜œ. Music, cheering, and joy, like a real festival, we told you! ๐Ÿคฉ

And an after-run in this city is far from wasted time. With all the visits and tastings ๐Ÿ˜‹, you have plenty to satisfy you, for a nice extended weekend. Louvain is known for its typical Flanders city architecture ๐ŸŒ†. 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 โœจ. The Saint Peter's Church and the City Hall are two must-sees to be amazed ๐Ÿคฏ. There are loads of visits to be done in the city, and donโ€™t forget you're not far from the capital! "Brussels, I love you, Brussels, I love you" ๐Ÿซถ. Yes, less than an hour by car or train ๐Ÿš†, 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 "๐ŸŸ. In the country of this well-loved specialty ๐Ÿ˜, you can obviously find the best cones of fries. Apparently, ๐Ÿ“ Het Grotteke is one of the best chip shops in Louvain. In the region, the Flemish stew ๐Ÿฒ is also well known. Since a sweet touch is always appreciated, to finish off well, a little Brussels waffle ๐Ÿง‡ 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 ๐Ÿ’ซ. Of course, it sounds tempting, so grab your bib number quickly, the spots are filling up fast! โšก๏ธ

4 reasons to join this race

An atmosphere that promises ๐ŸŽ‰
For a first edition, the bar is set very high! ๐Ÿคฏ In 2025, the atmosphere was absolutely spectacular for the European race. This edition, the city promises a race with the same spirit. Magic ๐Ÿช„, music, concerts, and motivated runners. Given the planned celebration, it's worth checking out! โญ๏ธ
A heritage event โšก๏ธ
In 2025, Louvain hosted the European Running Championship. This event was a magnificent success โœจ, 28,000 registrants, great times, and an incredible event! With people coming from all over the world ๐ŸŒ, this race was spectacular, with people of all levels meeting, all starting from the same starting line ๐Ÿ. In total, there were even over 160,000 supporters, a real motivation to finish these beautiful distances. The Leuven Marathon therefore takes the reins of this event ๐Ÿ”ฅ, promising to honor the past edition.
A mythical challenge ๐ŸŒŸ
Of course, a marathon is always rewarding, and this iconic distance has become a goal ๐ŸŽฏ for many runners. 42.195 km, not one more or less, these figures were set in 1868 by Michel Brรฉal. This, in memory of the Greek Pheidippides, who supposedly ran ๐Ÿƒ this distance to Athens to announce the victory against the Persians in 490 BC. Today this distance has become truly historic ๐Ÿ’ซ, with an estimated 2,500 to 4,000 marathons each year globally ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ. With a total of 1.2 million runners, this represents only 0.01% of the world population ๐Ÿ˜ณ, so if you run one, just one word to say: hats off!
The birthplace of Stella Artois ๐Ÿป
Yes, Louvain is the original city of the famous beer Stella Artois โญ๏ธ. It all started in 1366 with the founding of the Den Hoorn brewery. In 1708, Sebastian Artois became its brewmaster ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿณ and the place took the name Brouwerij Artois. It would take until 1926 for the beer to receive the name โœ๏ธ we know today, Stella, during the launch of a special Christmas beer ๐ŸŽ„. The official name change took place in 1976, and since then, Stella Artois has been among the most exported beers in the world ๐ŸŒŽ, with about 400 million liters produced each year. During your visit to Louvain, you can tour these mythical brewing sites and maybe taste this famous beer ๐Ÿบ. But remember: alcohol should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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: โ‚ฌ115

  • Half Marathon: โ‚ฌ63

  • 10 km: โ‚ฌ32

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

Focus

Leuven Marathon
Leuven Marathon
Leuven Marathon
Leuven Marathon
Leuven Marathon