The third edition of the Antwerp Marathon will take place on Sunday 22 October. This year, participants can choose from three distances. In addition to a marathon (obviously) and a half marathon, the programme will also feature an 8 km run for the first time. Registration opens at 11am on Wednesday.
Participants in the Antwerp Marathon will have an extra month to train compared to last year because the event moves from September to October. “For marathon runners, this is a top date as it leaves plenty of time to prepare after the summer. October remains the perfect marathon month,” says Greg Broekmans of organiser Golazo sports.
On Sunday 22 October at 10:30am, the starting shot for the marathon runners will sound, the half marathon participants are allowed to set off half an hour earlier. The runners of the 8 km will kick off at 9am. The 8 km is a new distance on the programme and replaces the relay marathon. “This way, even more people can enjoy this unique city marathon. The 8 km is a fantastic route taking in the Port Authority building, crossing the Grote Markt and finishing at the MAS. Just like the marathon and half marathon,” Broekmans continued.
The rest of the recipe for success of the marathon and half marathon remains unchanged: participants run past Antwerp landmarks and famous streets along the course that falls for one hundred per cent within the boundaries of the City of Antwerp. The course also features stretches past the Port Authority building, Boerentoren, Palace of Justice, Central Station and Schoonselhof, and also includes the Meir and Grote Markt. The finish will be at the MAS. There will be entertainment at every kilometre as a minimum.
“Many sports enthusiasts are already eagerly looking forward to the autumn of 2023. After the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and European Open Tennis, the Antwerp Marathon will be the climax of a busy October month,” says Councillor for Sport Peter Wouters. “The introduction of the Antwerp 8K will appeal to a wider running audience and attract even more participants and supporters to the city, our trump card that we like to play and rightly so. See you on 22 October! Those who want to satisfy their running hunger in the meantime, will be welcomed with open arms soon – on Sunday 23 April – to the other absolute highlight: the Baloise Antwerp 10 Miles.”
Online registration for the third edition of the Antwerp Marathon is open from 11am on Wednesday 22 March.
PRACTICAL INFO ANTWERP MARATHON
Programme Sunday 22 October 2023:
* 7am: Collect participant pack
* 9am: Start Antwerp 8K
* 9:30am: Start Antwerp Half Marathon
* 10:30am: Start Antwerp Marathon
* 4:00pm: Closing of the finish
