Registrations for the fourth edition of the Antwerp marathon are continuing to rise. With four months until the event, over 10,000 runners have signed up for the marathon, half marathon or 10K. Organiser Golazo is expected to double that number before the start on Sunday 20 October. Participants will get to enjoy a revamped, compact course throughout the city, including a loop around the port and an iconic finish at the MAS museum.
The half marathon remains the most popular distance thus far, followed by the marathon and the 10K, which has been added to the schedule by popular demand. Over 10,000 runners have already committed to one of the three distances, twice the amount of participants signed up this time last year.
That means the Antwerp Marathon is following the trends of all major running events in Belgium. Registrations are soaring to record heights everywhere. The Baloise Antwerp 10 Miles welcomed a record number of 40,000 this spring, while Golazo is expecting the Antwerp marathon to climb from 10,000 runners last year to 20,000 registrations. Therefore, those who want to join on Sunday 20 October are advised not to wait too long to complete their registration.
The Antwerp Marathon’s course has been revised for 2024. The start and finish (at the MAS) remain at ‘t Eilandje, but runners won’t be heading as far south as in previous years. The new city course completely stays within the Singel and is much more compact as a result, which gives supporters more opportunities to cheer on their favourite runners. Marathon runners will pass through the city centre twice, participants in the half marathon just once.
The Port Authority Building, the Meir and Antwerp Central Station are the most famous landmarks in the opening kilometres. Via the Kievit quarter, the bustling Zurenborg and the Green Quarter runners are heading towards Berchem and the Zuid, passing by the eye-catching Palace of Justice. Towards the banks of the river Schelde they will then pass through the Kloosterstaat, known for its many antique shops, before heading back to the Eilandje area alongside the river.
Once back to where they started, marathon runners are treated to a nice, little extra: a 5K loop through the port of Antwerp, the Noordkasteel and an impressive background of containers and cranes. The half marathon runners will complete this loop right from the start. Afterwards the marathon returns to the centre. Participants in the 10K run their race around the Eilandje area and the port, including an iconic finish at the MAS museum.
“This revamped edition of the Antwerp marathon is shaping up to be another exceptional experience for all participants and supporters,” said Antwerp mayor Bart de Wever. “It is fantastic to see over 10,000 runners have already registered and I would advise anyone who wants to be part of the event not to wait much longer to sign up. I am looking forward to seeing our city buzz with sportive energy again on 20 October.
