Ostend Half Marathon 2026
- Next eventย :ย Sun, February 8, 2026Date confirmed
The event in a few words
Did you put your running season on hold but feel the need to pin a bib as early as February? Then lace up and head to the most British city in Belgium: Ostend! ๐ Also known as the "queen of beaches", this seaside resort ๐๏ธ, one of the most popular in West Flanders, is hosting its first running event: the Ostend Half Marathon (or Besox Halve van Oostende for the flamingos pink ๐ฆฉ). On the shores of the North Sea, you'll enjoy the iodine air, but especially the wind! ๐ฌ๏ธ You'll wage a double battle: one against the elements of nature ๐ and another to beat your personal best on an ultra-flat course โฑ๏ธ.
On the half marathon or 10 km, you'll cross the city, pass by the dunes, and run along the seawall. A true seafront course, we hope you have your sea legs! โ๏ธ The start will be given near the port, at Zeeheldenplein. After leaving the city center ๐๏ธ, you'll take the paths overlooking Mariakerke Beach. For the 10 km runners, it'll already be time to head back to the beach, not to swim ๐โโ๏ธ but to reach the finish line! ๐ฅ Be careful not to slip on seaweed on the return ๐. To complete the 21.097 km, you'll need to continue along the dune trail to Middelkerke Beach. The return is also on the sand, so don't get too caught up in the captivating architecture of the SILT hotel, as the tide may rise and you won't be able to reach the finish line! ๐
After exertion, stop by at O-stend! ๐ฝ๏ธ The Vistrap fish market will be your refueling station after braving the wind and marine sprays ๐จ. You won't be able to escape the local specialty: fish ๐. In all sauces and forms, you'll discover the gastronomic richness of the Flanders ๐ฆ. To digest your meal, head to Fort Napoleon for a cultural stroll with the sound of waves in the background ๐ฅฐ. Want to stick with the marine theme? Dive into maritime history at the Museum aan de Stroom in the nearby city of Antwerp. Speaking of nearby cities, a detour to Bruges is a must! Typical and historical architecture, fry museum, canals... A true essence of Belgium!
The other participants are already waiting for you at the O-stend starting line! ๐
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
Half MarathonTOP
10โkm
- Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM
A few more words
You will start from Zeehedenplein Square, by the beachside! ๐๏ธ You will pass through Oostende, go to Mariakerke and speed through the trails to reach Middelkerke ๐. You will return along the shoreline, on the pavement ๐ฃ๏ธ. You can give it your all to try and set a new personal record! โฑ๏ธ
Road Running 10โkm
Road Running- Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 9:45 AM
A few more words
You will start from Zeehedenplein square, at the seaside! You will pass through Ostend and go to Mariakerke. Before turning around and coming back along the seafront, on the asphalt ๐ฃ๏ธ. You will be able to give it your all on the way back to try to achieve a new personal record! โฑ๏ธ
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Bib pickup is available:
Saturday, February 7, 2026, between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Sunday, February 8, 2026, starting from 9:15 AM
The location will be announced later.
The start will take place on February 8, 2026, at Zeeheldenplein square in Ostend:
10 km: 9:45 AM
21.0975 km: 10:30 AM
Yes, several refreshment stations are planned along the route.
Your registration includes:
Exclusive first edition medal
Fully marked course
Experienced pacers
Timing with an electronic chip
On-route refreshments for the 10 km and 21.0975 km
Final refreshment at the finish
Sportinez insurance during your participation
You can check the race rules here
A next-gen platform helping sports enthusiasts of all levels discover territories and heritage through races tailored to them.
Made in France, between Lyon and Nantes