Brussels Airport Marathon
The Lowdown
The Brussels Airport Marathon, first held in 2017, has quickly become one of Belgium’s most distinctive spring marathons by combining an international airport setting with scenic Flemish landscapes. Launched to showcase Brussels Airport and the surrounding Zaventem area, the event has grown into a popular race for both local runners and international visitors seeking a fast, flat course with few technical challenges. Held in late May, the 2026 edition on October 25 kicks off early in the morning, offering cool running conditions and a lively festival atmosphere that reflects the region’s hospitality and love of running. The course highlights include a unique start and finish zone near Brussels Airport with sections that run close to airport grounds and through neighboring towns, offering views of runways, modern airport infrastructure, and stretches of quiet country roads and parks that reveal the rural outskirts of the capital region. Runners appreciate the predominantly flat profile, wide roads, and well-marked route that make it attractive for first-time marathoners and those targeting fast times. Aid stations are frequent and well stocked, and on-course marshals and volunteers create a supportive environment throughout the route. Atmosphere on race day is energetic but relaxed, with a community feel driven by enthusiastic local supporters, live music at key points, and a post-race village at the finish that celebrates runners with food, entertainment, and recovery facilities. The event is organized to international standards: the course is measured and certified by AIMS/World Athletics and is recognized as eligible for Boston Marathon qualifying times, making it a reliable choice for athletes chasing qualifying marks or personal bests.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Organisers report record-sized 'Flawless Record' edition with 20,000 finishers
Nov 3, 2025The race organisers called the 20th edition a 'Flawless Record' with a reported 20,000 runners from 125 countries completing events across the weekend, marking the largest field in the event's history. The organisers highlighted strong international participation and said the crowd figure surpassed previous years' totals. ([brusselsairportmarathon.be](https://brusselsairportmarathon.be/en/flawless-record-edition-brussels-airport-marathon-half-marathon/?utm_source=openai))
New city-centre finish added in 2024 with route revised to finish at Place des Palais
Nov 3, 2024The 2024 edition featured a redesigned course that finished on Place des Palais in front of the Royal Palace, taking runners through 10 Brussels municipalities and new city highlights including the Annie Cordy Tunnel and several parks. Organisers said the revised route aimed to showcase Brussels' landmarks and improve the spectator experience. ([brusselsairportmarathon.be](https://brusselsairportmarathon.be/en/18500-runners-colour-record-edition-brussels-airport-marathon-half-marathon/?utm_source=openai))
Kenyan Simon Kipkosgei wins 2023 edition in 2:15:31 as field growth continues
Oct 2, 2023Simon Kipkosgei claimed the marathon title in 2023 with a time of 2:15:31, a performance noted by organisers as part of a period of accelerating elite competitiveness while overall participation increased (the 2023 event drew roughly 12,600 participants across distances). His win and rising entry numbers signalled stronger elite and mass appeal ahead of subsequent route changes. ([brusselsairportmarathon.be](https://brusselsairportmarathon.be/en/kenyan-simon-kipkosgei-24-books-first-major-marathon-victory/?utm_source=openai))
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Brussels Airport
The race starts and finishes on the airport grounds near the main terminal and control tower
Melsbroek Military Cemetery
Commonwealth war graves and memorials located adjacent to the airport perimeter
Zaventem Town Centre
runners pass the historic Sint-Martinus Church and the town square of Zaventem
Diegem Business Park
stretches through the commercial and corporate district of Diegem
Machelen
residential neighborhoods, local parks and community squares in the municipality of Machelen
NATO Headquarters (Evere area)
the international district and NATO buildings are a prominent landmark seen from parts of the course
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Brussels, Belgium
BE
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 on race day (participants under 18 are not permitted to enter the marathon)
- Online registration and full payment of the entry fee required by the stated deadline
- Participants must provide accurate personal details and a valid form of identification when requested
- All participants must be in good health and sufficiently trained; a medical certificate is recommended
- No qualifying time required for entry
- Participants must comply with the event's official rules, race cut-off times and marshal/medical instructions
- Wheelchair or other para-athletes should contact the organisers in advance to confirm eligibility and accommodations
- Bib and timing chip must be worn and used according to organiser instructions
Required Documents
- Photo ID (passport or national ID)
- Medical certificate of fitness to run (issued within 12 months) or valid national athletics federation license
- Registration confirmation / payment receipt
- Emergency contact details (document or form provided at registration)
- Parental consent form for participants under 18
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Group/Company Entries
- Tour Operator Packages
- Race Package / Travel Agency Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Full refund until 60 days before the race (minus payment processing fees)
50% refund until 30 days before the race
No refunds within 30 days of the race date
Bib transfer to another runner allowed until 14 days before the race with a €10 administration fee
Entry deferral to the next edition permitted until 30 days before the race with a €20 fee
The race starts and finishes on the tarmac area of Brussels Airport, offering a flat, fast course ideal for personal bests and largely traffic-free running.
Organizers provide chip timing, pacers for common goal times, and aid stations approximately every 5 km with water, sports drink, and energy gels on the marathon course.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical race shirt, and a post-race village offers refreshments, local food, and Belgian beer options for participants and spectators.
Race weekend includes an expo with bib pickup and an opportunity to buy gear, as well as a kids' run and family activities to keep non-runners entertained.
There is convenient public transport access and shuttle services to the airport start area from central Brussels, and participants are advised to arrive early as security and baggage drop can be busy on race morning.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.