Leuven Marathon 2027 – Running Festival Belgium

What to expect in 2027

Leuven Marathon 2027 will take place in Leuven, Belgium, on 11 April 2027. The event returns after the successful first edition and continues the city’s growing tradition of large-scale road-running events. The organiser has confirmed 11 April 2027 as the next edition date, with registration scheduled to open on 1 October 2026.

The Leuven Marathon is designed as a complete running festival rather than a single-distance race. Participants can choose between the full marathon, half marathon and 10 km, allowing experienced marathon runners, recreational athletes and shorter-distance runners to take part on the same event day.

The 2026 debut attracted 17,900 participants and transformed Leuven into a city-wide running celebration. The event combined competitive racing with large crowds of supporters, entertainment zones, cafés, pubs and cheering points along the course.

The 2027 event is expected to continue this city-focused approach. The established course concept combines Leuven’s historic centre with canals, university landmarks and green areas around the city. The marathon is particularly distinctive because it extends beyond the urban course into the surrounding Brabant forests.

Visitors can expect a mixture of competitive running, recreational participation, live entertainment, spectator zones and a festival atmosphere throughout Leuven. DJs, live music and cheerleading activities were part of the established event concept, helping create an atmosphere for both runners and spectators.

Match/event dates

Leuven Marathon 2027 is confirmed for 11 April 2027.

The event will take place on a Sunday, with the three running distances forming the main competition programme. The final 2027 timetable, including the precise start waves, participant services and race-day procedures, will be published by the organiser closer to the event.

Registration for the 2027 edition is scheduled to open on 1 October 2026. KU Leuven Sport has also confirmed the 2027 event date and registration opening through its official event information.

Participants should register early if they want to secure their preferred distance and take advantage of the first registration wave.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

Leuven Marathon does not take place inside a traditional stadium. Instead, the city of Leuven becomes the race venue, with runners travelling through central streets, historic districts, canal-side areas and green surroundings.

The event’s 2026 course used Naamsevest as the starting area and Parkpoort as the finish area. The wider event infrastructure, including bib collection, changing facilities, bag storage, recovery facilities and the Waypoint Leuven Marathon Expo, was located at the Philipssite near Sportoase.

The route provides a distinctive combination of urban and natural scenery. Runners pass major Leuven landmarks and then move into areas around the Vaart canal and the Brabantse Wouden.

The marathon course also includes the Heverleebos section, giving the longest-distance participants a substantially different environment from the city streets.

The 2026 courses were officially measured under World Athletics and AIMS standards, with certificates for the 10 km, half marathon and marathon. The marathon distance was measured at 42,195 metres, the half marathon at 21,097.5 metres and the 10 km at exactly 10,000 metres.

Full fixture or event schedule

Leuven Marathon does not have fixtures or matches in the conventional sporting sense. Instead, the event programme is built around three road races and a series of participant and spectator activities.

The main programme is expected to include:

• Marathon – 42.195 km
• Half Marathon – 21.0975 km
• 10 km – 10,000 metres
• Race-number collection
• Participant information and event services
• Waypoint Leuven Marathon Expo
• Bag storage
• Changing facilities
• Recovery zone
• Refreshment stations
• Medical support
• Finish-area activities
• Live results and tracking
• Entertainment and supporter zones

In the previous edition, race-number collection and the Waypoint Expo were open on the Friday and Saturday before the race, with race-day collection available from the morning. The 2027 schedule may follow a similar structure, although the final times will be confirmed by the organiser.

The official Leuven Marathon app also provides race information, updates, live tracking and split times, making it useful for both participants and supporters.

Teams, athletes & participants

Leuven Marathon is an individual road-running competition rather than a team tournament. Participants range from recreational runners and first-time marathoners to experienced distance athletes and elite competitors.

The first edition attracted 17,900 participants. Around 3,300 runners started the marathon and approximately 5,700 took part in the 10 km, while the half marathon featured around 8,900 participants.

The event also has a strong local connection. Before the first edition, more than 3,000 of the first 10,000 registered participants were Leuven residents, while at least 1,500 students had registered.

The 2026 elite races included Pieter Dewortelaer, who won the men’s marathon in 2:26:23, with Milo Roggen second and Tom Van Cappellen third. Hanna Vandenbussche won the women’s marathon in 2:45:46, followed by Ella Declercq and Karen Verrydt.

The 2027 elite field and confirmed headline athletes have not yet been announced.

Tournament format & competition structure

The event consists of three separate running competitions:

• Marathon: 42.195 km
• Half Marathon: 21.0975 km
• 10 km: 10,000 metres

The marathon is the longest and most demanding event, combining city streets, the Vaart canal area and the green surroundings of Heverleebos and the Brabant forests.

The half marathon uses a shorter course that combines Leuven’s urban loop with the canal section. The 10 km remains focused on the city, allowing participants to experience central Leuven without completing the longer rural sections.

The courses were designed to showcase Leuven’s combination of historic architecture, university life, waterways and surrounding nature. The official 2026 course announcement described the marathon as including a green loop through the forests of Brabant, while the half marathon followed a flatter northern loop before returning toward the city.

Results are recorded electronically using chip timing. The organiser publishes individual times, net times and classifications, while podium ceremonies are based on the order in which runners cross the finish line.

Match/event times

The final 2027 start times have not yet been published.

The previous edition began with the marathon and 10 km at 9:00, followed by the half marathon at 14:15. The event therefore spreads the three main races across different parts of the day rather than starting all participants simultaneously.

The 2027 timetable is expected to be published as part of the official participant instructions.

Runners should arrive well before their starting wave to allow sufficient time for transport, security and access to the start area. Participants also need to consider the distance between accommodation, the start area, the baggage facilities and the finish.

The official app can provide live tracking and split information during the race, making it useful for supporters following individual runners.

Ticket types

Leuven Marathon uses race registration rather than conventional spectator tickets. Participants select their distance and pay the corresponding entry fee.

The 2027 prices have not yet been published. For reference, the standard prices for the first edition were:

• Marathon: $132
• Half Marathon: $72
• 10 km: $37

These amounts are converted from the published 2026 prices of €115, €63 and €32 respectively, using an approximate exchange rate of €1 = $1.15.

The marathon registration included an event T-shirt in the participant package, while all finishers received a medal. Race numbers contained electronic timing chips, and the event provided refreshments and participant facilities.

The 2027 registration fees should be checked when registration officially opens.

Ticket release phases

The 2027 registration opening is scheduled for 1 October 2026.

The organiser has not yet published all 2027 registration waves and their individual prices. However, the event has used different pricing stages, and the 2027 structure is expected to provide an early registration period followed by later pricing.

There is also a specific student initiative for the 2027 edition. KU Leuven Sport states that during the first registration wave, the first-wave price applies to all participants. Once that wave ends, 1,500 students can still register at the first-wave price until 15 February 2027 or until those discounted places have been used.

Participants should therefore check the official registration portal as soon as entries open.

VIP & hospitality options

Leuven Marathon is primarily a mass-participation running event rather than a spectator hospitality competition. There is no confirmed 2027 VIP ticket structure at present.

For companies and organisations, however, the event has offered a dedicated Acerta Company Village. Businesses can create groups and rent a tent close to the registration area, recovery zone and start, providing a meeting point for runners, colleagues and supporters.

The previous company-village pricing included business tents ranging from approximately $1,610 for a 25-square-metre tent to approximately $6,440 for a 100-square-metre tent, before VAT and based on the published 2026 prices converted at approximately €1 = $1.15. Additional facilities such as electricity, tables and seating were available separately.

These business hospitality prices are historical reference figures and are not confirmed 2027 prices.

Stadium & event rules

Participants must follow the official race regulations, course instructions and directions from event officials and volunteers.

Race numbers are linked to participant identification and electronic timing. The organiser has previously allowed name and distance changes under specific deadlines and procedures. On-site name changes required identification and an administrative fee in the previous edition.

Participants are encouraged to prepare appropriately, stay hydrated and listen to their bodies. The organiser specifically advises runners not to start if they are unwell or have a fever and recommends reducing pace or stopping if they experience problems during the race.

Runners should remain on the marked course, follow instructions at crossings and refreshment stations and respect other participants.

Headphones may be permitted, but runners should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in busy urban sections and areas where the course interacts with other road users.

How to get there

Leuven is located in central Belgium and has excellent connections to Brussels and other Belgian cities.

The city is particularly accessible by train. Leuven railway station is within walking distance of the central event area, making rail travel a convenient choice for participants arriving from Brussels, Antwerp, Liège and other Belgian cities.

International visitors can travel through Brussels Airport and continue to Leuven by train or other ground transport.

The event takes place in and around central Leuven, so visitors staying in the city can often walk or cycle to the race areas.

Road access can become restricted during the event, making public transport and early arrival particularly useful.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is strongly suited to the Leuven Marathon because the city centre is well connected and Leuven station is close to the race area.

The previous edition specifically advised that the event was easily accessible on foot and by bicycle, with Leuven station within walking distance of the start. Participants arriving by car could use parking at Brabanthal and a free shuttle bus to the race area, with advance parking-ticket reservation required.

The 2027 traffic plan and parking arrangements will be published closer to the race.

Drivers should not assume that normal central-city parking will be available on race morning. Road closures, restricted access and pedestrian zones can affect normal routes.

Cycling can also be practical for local participants, although cyclists should follow temporary event restrictions and use designated bicycle facilities.

Accommodation areas

Staying in central Leuven provides the easiest access to the event atmosphere and race facilities.

The historic city centre around Grote Markt, Oude Markt, Bondgenotenlaan and the railway-station area places visitors close to restaurants, cafés, shops and major landmarks.

Accommodation near Leuven station is especially useful for visitors arriving by train or travelling to and from Brussels Airport.

Other areas around Leuven can offer quieter accommodation, but runners should consider their distance from the start and finish areas.

Because the marathon attracts thousands of participants, booking accommodation in advance can make race-weekend planning easier.

Food & drink at the venue

Leuven Marathon provides refreshments for runners along the course and around the finish area. The event infrastructure also includes refreshment stations designed to support participants during the different races.

The city itself provides extensive food and drink options. Leuven is known for its student population and busy café culture, with restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and pubs spread throughout the centre.

Spectators can combine watching the race with visits to local cafés and supporter areas. During the 2026 marathon, supporters gathered at cafés and local pubs along the course, contributing to the event’s city-wide atmosphere.

Runners should plan their pre-race meals carefully and avoid unfamiliar foods immediately before the race.

Accessibility

Accessibility information for the 2027 edition has not yet been fully published.

The event takes place across public streets, pedestrian areas, parks and sections of the surrounding countryside. Conditions can therefore vary considerably between different parts of the route.

The central city sections generally provide more developed infrastructure, while some rural and forest sections of the marathon course may have different surfaces and access conditions.

Participants or spectators requiring specific accessibility assistance should contact the organiser before the event to confirm suitable access points, facilities and viewing locations.

The event also provides medical and recovery infrastructure for participants, with the previous edition using the Philipssite as a central location for changing facilities, bag storage and recovery services.

Best matches/events to attend

The marathon is the headline distance for experienced long-distance runners and provides the broadest view of Leuven and its surrounding landscape.

The 42.195-kilometre course combines central Leuven with the Vaart canal and the green areas around Heverleebos and the Brabant forests. It therefore offers the greatest variety of scenery.

The half marathon is suited to runners who want a substantial race while avoiding the full marathon distance. Its route combines the city and canal sections and was designed to provide a relatively fast section around Herent and Wijgmaal.

The 10 km is the shortest of the three main races and focuses on the city loop. It is particularly accessible to runners who want to experience the event without committing to a half or full marathon.

For spectators, Keizersberg is one of the notable locations along the course because it creates a visible challenge for runners. Central Leuven, the canal area and designated supporter zones also provide opportunities to watch the race.

Previous year’s highlights

The first Leuven Marathon took place in 2026 and attracted 17,900 participants, turning the city into a major running festival. The event followed the successful European Running Championships held in Leuven and Brussels in 2025.

The 2026 marathon field included around 3,300 runners, while approximately 5,700 runners entered the 10 km and 8,900 participated in the half marathon.

In the men’s marathon, Leuven native Pieter Dewortelaer won in 2:26:23, followed by Milo Roggen in 2:27:58 and Tom Van Cappellen in third. Hanna Vandenbussche won the women’s race in 2:45:46, with Ella Declercq second and Karen Verrydt third.

The half marathon was won by Kobe Hermans in 1:06:51, with Wout Lambreghts second and Gertjan Fannes third. Kim Geypen won the women’s half marathon in 1:17:50, ahead of Heleen Vermeulen and Martine Peeters.

The 10 km men’s race was won by Ward D’Hoore in 30:16 after a close sprint with Lode Van Tente, who finished in 30:18. Lotte Vandekerckhove won the women’s race in 35:12.

Beyond the elite results, the biggest feature of the first edition was the atmosphere throughout Leuven. Large crowds gathered around the route, particularly at Keizersberg, supporter zones, cafés and pubs. The organiser described the event as a city-wide running celebration.

Official tickets

Leuven Marathon does not use conventional spectator tickets. Participants register for one of the three race distances through the official registration system.

Registration for the 2027 edition is scheduled to open on 1 October 2026. The official event information confirms the 11 April 2027 race date and provides updates about registration and preparation.

Official event website: https://leuvenmarathon.com/

Participants should use the official Leuven Marathon website for registration, final entry prices, race regulations, course information, participant instructions and any updates concerning the 2027 event.