The sixth edition of the TREK® Antwerp Marathon will once again welcome 20,000 runners on Sunday, spread across three distances, and making it a sold-out event. The marathon has 5,000 participants, the half marathon 12,000, and 3,000 runners will take part in the completely revamped 10K. On Sunday, a total of 119 different nationalities will be at the starting line, representing 69 countries. Around 25 per cent of the participants are travelling to the city from abroad this weekend. The TREK® Antwerp Marathon has become hugely popular both in Belgium and abroad. Those wishing to take part in next year’s seventh edition can already register now!
The marathon in the morning and the half marathon in the afternoon build on the successful formula of previous editions, where the experience for runners and supporters takes centre stage. The route runs from the Kattendijk Bridge through the centre of Antwerp, taking in well-known Antwerp buildings and landmarks such as the Port Authority building, Boerentoren, the Meir, Antwerp Central Station, the Palace of Justice, Zuidpark, the KMSKA, Marnixplaats and Kloosterstraat, before running along the Kaaien to the finish at the MAS. Marathon runners will complete the loop twice, whilst half-marathon participants will do so once.
The shortest distance on Sunday, the TREK® Antwerp 10K, has been completely revamped compared to previous editions and also features a new starting point. Further south on the Kaaien, the 3,000 runners will set off from Orteliuskaai before immediately turning right for a unique passage across the Grote Markt. From there, the runners will head via Hoogstraat past Sint-Jansplein, then via Kloosterstraat and the Kaaien, taking a shorter loop on Oosterweelsteenweg and past the Port Authority building, before heading towards the MAS, where the finish line is located.
The TREK® Antwerp Marathon is once again going all out to ensure an unforgettable experience for participants. In addition to the four official cheering zones – at Dageraadplaats with the Antwerp Running Crew, at Marnixplaats with title partner TREK®, on Kronenburgstraat with Lucky Stride and on Goedehoopstraat with Port of Antwerp-Bruges – marathon runners can enjoy a total of 52 entertainment points along the route. The Half Marathon features 27 such points, whilst the 10K has 13 entertainment points set up along the route, including DJs, bagpipers, drummers and live acts to give participants that extra push towards the MAS.
Live tracking via the app
Anyone wishing to follow their favourite runner closely on Sunday can do so via the official TREK® Antwerp Marathon app, which is available to download from the App Store and Play Store. Thanks to live tracking, you’ll always know where your runner is on the course on Sunday, so you can cheer them on several times along the way. Based on their split times, you’ll also get an estimate of their finishing time, so you can be at the MAS in good time to see your favourite runner cross the line.
As well as family, friends or colleagues, you can also use the app to closely follow the split times of the leading runners. You’ll be able to follow the battle for victory in the TREK® Antwerp Marathon live by following Nicolaï Saké, last year’s winner who’ll be wearing race number 1. Two of his challengers on Sunday are Siebe Van Dijck, who finished third last year, and Solomon Belayneh, winner of the Brussels Airport Marathon in 2024.
Among the participants in the Half Marathon will be Flemish Minister of Sport Annick De Ridder. Another familiar face on the start line in Antwerp on Sunday is former Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who is set to take on the 10K.
Atmosphere and Support
“If there is one marathon or half marathon that truly stands out for its atmosphere and support, it has to be the TREK® Antwerp Marathon,” says Greg Broekmans of organiser Golazo. “With so much entertainment and such enthusiastic crowds all along the course, runners are practically carried to the finish line. Combined with its flat and fast route, it is the perfect event for a first half marathon or marathon, or, for more experienced runners, an ideal opportunity to challenge themselves and set a new personal best.”
Antwerp’s Councillor for Sport, Stijn De Rooster: “On 18 October, M-day will finally be upon us! For every runner who has made the TREK® Antwerp Marathon their goal and who will be lining up at the start on Sunday with a healthy sense of anticipation, I have this message: my utmost respect, I wish you every success, and may that unique blend of energy, euphoria and camaraderie outweigh the physical and mental challenge. If things do get a bit tough, let yourself be carried along by all the atmosphere and encouragement along the beautiful route. That’s another thing I always love about ‘our’ 10 Miles and Marathon: everyone cheers on everyone else.”
Mayor Els van Doesburg: “The TREK® Antwerp Marathon is set to be one big sports celebration once again! Thousands of runners will make their way right through the most beautiful city in the world, cheered on by the people of Antwerp lining the route. You run a marathon on sheer grit, but a good dose of Antwerp atmosphere certainly helps too.”
Isabelle Maes, CEO, Lotus™ Natural Food: “The TREK® Antwerp Marathon is all about energy! Thousands of runners pushing their limits, taking on personal challenges and fully embracing an active lifestyle. That is exactly what TREK® stands for. With our TREK® Protein Oat Bars, we give runners that extra boost of energy to help them perform at their best. I’m looking forward to seeing that positive energy flow through Antwerp on Sunday.”
Mobility
To ensure the TREK® Antwerp Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K – with a total of 20,000 participants – run safely, various traffic measures will be in place on and around the route in Antwerp. Anyone taking part on Sunday is advised to collect their race number from Waagnatie on Friday or Saturday. Anyone heading into the city on Sunday as a participant or supporter can also find all the information about getting there on this page.
Registration 2027
And there’s good news for anyone wanting to secure a place on the starting line of next year’s TREK® Antwerp Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K. Registration for the next edition, on Sunday 24 October 2027, opens today. You can register here.
