The second edition of the Leuven Marathon is scheduled for Sunday 11 April. But as early as tomorrow evening, Wednesday 30 September, a social run starting at the Philipssite will kick off the official countdown to the 2027 Leuven Marathon. Participants in this free social run will be the first to be able to register for the Leuven Marathon on site straight after the event. Online registration via the website opens on Thursday, 1 October, at 11.00 am.
With 17,900 runners and a huge crowd of spectators, the first edition of the Leuven Marathon last spring was a resounding success. In addition to the marathon, the programme also featured a half marathon and a 10 km race, and this will be the case again in 2027. The Leuven Marathon continues to build on the legacy of the European Running Championships, which created an unforgettable running festival and generated immense enthusiasm in Leuven in 2025.
The Leuven Marathon starts and finishes at the Philipssite, with all three distances winding their way right through the city’s historic centre. The marathon runners also enjoy a beautiful loop through Leuven’s ‘green lung’, the Heverleebos.
The social run on Wednesday evening, for which Leuven’s numerous running communities are joining forces, will initiate the official countdown to the 2027 Leuven Marathon. “It was striking and magical to see how the Leuven running community united around the European Running Championships in 2025. A trend that continued last year as well. That’s why we’ve decided to use this social run to kick off the 2027 edition,” says Thomas Huyberechts of organiser Golazo.
Everyone is welcome to join in for a 6 or 10 km run, at various paces. Meet at 7 pm at the Philipssite. Pieter De Wortelaer (winner of the 2026 Leuven Marathon) and Kobe Hermans (winner of the half marathon) will also be taking part. Afterwards, participants in the social run will be the first to be able to register for the Leuven Marathon. Registration via the website also opens on Thursday at 11 am.
Inclusion
The Leuven Marathon remains firmly committed to inclusion in 2027. Anyone with an UiTPAS Regio Leuven who is entitled to the reduced rate can make use of this when registering for the event. In addition, the City of Leuven and Golazo are also offering 1,500 Leuven students the chance to take part at a discounted rate.
Together with Join2bike, a Leuven-based cycling club that brings together athletes with and without disabilities, athletes with a disability will also be able to fully experience the 10 km of the Leuven Marathon, at their own pace and level on 11 April. Athletes using handbikes, tricycles or wheelchairs will thus be able to fully soak up the unique atmosphere through Leuven city centre from start to finish.
Charity
In the week leading up to the event, on Wednesday 7 April, the Leuven Marathon will also be supporting the Buurtrun Leuven, a free and accessible running event for children, young people and local residents in Leuven who are in a vulnerable situation. Participants run in Park De Bruul at their own pace, whilst supporters can enjoy entertainment and neighbourhood activities. This creates a warm meeting place where sport brings people together and strengthens community bonds. Buurtsport, Buurtcentra Leuven, the youth service and community organisation ‘t Lampeke are collaborating on this initiative.
‘Kom op tegen Kanker’ is also one of the Leuven Marathon’s charities. When registering, every runner can choose to make a donation of their choice or commit to raising funds for ‘Kom op tegen Kanker’.
“A Sporting Highlight”
Leuven’s Councillor for Sport Christophe Stockman: “The first Leuven Marathon was an instant hit, with plenty of participants at the start and huge enthusiasm along the route. We’d like to build on that success next year. Participants can look forward to a similar route and, once again, a fantastic experience for runners, supporters and local residents alike. We also want to keep the marathon accessible to everyone: holders of an UiTPAS on a reduced-rate scheme and students can register at a discounted rate. And with initiatives such as the Buurtrun and Join2Bike, we’re ensuring that everyone can take part in their own way. In this way, we aim to make it a sporting highlight in 2027, where everyone feels welcome.”
PRACTICAL INFO LEUVEN MARATHON
Programme Friday 9 April 2027:
• 11.30 am – 6 pm: Collection participant pack (at Philipssite)
• 11.30 am – 6 pm: Waypoint Leuven Marathon Expo (at Philipssite)
Programme Saturday 10 April 2027:
• 10 am – 6 pm: Collection participant pack (at Philipssite)
• 10 am – 6 pm: Waypoint Leuven Marathon Expo (at Philipssite)
Programme Sunday 11 April 2027:
• 7.30 am – 2 pm: Collection participant pack (at Philipssite)
• 7.30 am – 6 pm: Waypoint Leuven Marathon Expo (at Philipssite)
• The start times of the races will be announced over the coming months
Locations:
• Start: Naamsevest (inner ring)
• Finish: Parkpoort (outer ring)
• Collection bib number, bag drop, changing rooms, recovery zone, Waypoint expo: Philipssite, 3001 Leuven
