The eighth edition of the Sofico Gent Marathon will welcome more than 18,000 runners on Sunday. With a record 5,650 participants, the marathon distance is fully booked just like last year. It is also the most well-attended marathon ever in Belgium, following the 2025 European Championships between Brussels and Leuven. The remaining participants on Sunday will be running the half marathon. The Sofico Gent Marathon is also very popular among the residents of Ghent, as no fewer than 3,500 residents from the Ghent region will be boasting a bib number for one of the two distances. At the same time, the city of Artevelde is also attracting a very international field of runners, more than 20 percent of the participants are (half) marathon tourists from abroad.
The main draw of the Sofico Gent Marathon is its beautiful, varied course. It winds through iconic streets, squares, and buildings in the historic city centre (St. Michael’s Bridge, Belfry, City Hall, Korenmarkt, Vlasmarkt, Bijloke, …), through lively, newly developed neighbourhoods like the Nieuwe Dokken, along waterways (Visserijvaart, Leie, Ringvaart, …), through parks and nature reserves (Keizerspark, Liedemeerspark, Gentbrugse Meersen, …) and even right through the KAA Gent football stadium.
There will be no shortage of entertainment either: on average every 2 km, participants will be boosted by DJs, cheerleaders, musicians, … And of course, thousands of supporters lining the route.
The start of all distances is located on Zuiderlaan, near the Topsporthal. The finish is at the Topsporthal, where runners will cross the finish after a final lap of honour on the track. To ensure optimal running comfort, the start will take place in waves. The first marathon wave starts at 9 a.m. sharp, and the first half-marathon runners will start at 1:30 p.m. New this year is the Sofico Gent Marathon live tracking app, allowing supporters to closely follow the position of their favourite runner.
Impressive numbers
As many as 3,500 runners from the Ghent region will traverse their beloved city in running shoes on Sunday. But the Sofico Gent Marathon is not just popular with locals. Ghent and its (half) marathon are also generating a lot of buzz abroad. Participants from 60 different countries will be at the start on Sunday. Twenty percent of the field is travelling from abroad to Ghent for one or more days. The Netherlands (1,500 runners), France (600), Great Britain (200), Germany (200), and Spain (80) make up the top five.
To ensure a major event like the Sofico Gent Marathon runs smoothly, organiser Golazo is deploying a large number of people and resources: 120 event staff, 358 course marshals, 65 stewards at the event site, 893 volunteers, 5 medical teams (including 2 mobile emergency teams), 12 nurses, 3 doctors, more than 60 first responders, more than 60 external suppliers, … And there’s more: 8 km of crowd barriers, 7 ambulances, 210,000 reusable cups, …
Greg Broekmans of organiser Golazo: “Ghent is a true running city with a wide range of running events, offering something for everyone. With this Sofico Gent Marathon, we aim to offer the ultimate experience, and we are fully committed to this in every possible way. The Sofico Gent Marathon is hugely popular among the people of Ghent but also attracts many people from all over Flanders and abroad. While we are taking many measures to minimise disruption to residents as much as possible, the presence of 18,000 runners and a multitude of supporters also provides the city with tangible benefits that go beyond a positive sporting image. In just a few years, this event has become a must-attend for anyone in Ghent who cares deeply about exercise and health.”
Councillor for Sports Bram Van Braeckevelt: “Ghent has been known as a running city for years, but the Sofico Gent Marathon has quickly become the crown jewel. With no fewer than 18,000 runners, it is a hit among sports enthusiasts, including many Ghent residents. Whether your goal is to reach the finish line or set a new personal best, you could not dream of a more beautiful backdrop than the towers of Ghent—as I have experienced myself during my previous participations.”
Wim De Bruyne, Sofico CEO: “The energy surrounding the Sofico Gent Marathon is infectious and perfectly reflects the dynamic spirit within our company. Every day, we continue to build on this with a team that focuses on commitment and perseverance. This growth is incremental, which is why we are actively seeking new colleagues who want to help drive this story forward.”
Mobility
With more than 18,000 runners and a multitude of spectators, Sunday promises to be exceptionally busy in Ghent. Organiser Golazo advises participants to pick up their bib numbers as early as Friday or Saturday from the Topsporthal site. You can also pick up your participant pack on Sunday morning.
Walking or riding a (shared) bike are the most efficient ways to reach the start and finish areas. Donkey Republic is offering a 20% discount on share bikes on Sunday. The NMBS is offering a 40% discount to participants travelling to Ghent-Sint-Pieters by train on Sunday. Free shuttle buses depart from the rear of the station to the Topsporthal.
Runners and supporters who do come to Ghent by car can park at The Loop, Ikea, or Ghent-Sint-Pieters car parks, where they can take the shuttle buses going to the Topsporthal. All these car parks are accessible from the R4. The Loop and Ikea car parks offer parking tickets that can be purchased in advance. The car parks along Watersportbaan and at Blaarmeersen are not accessible on Sunday!
Supporters and residents please note cyclists are not permitted on the course on Sunday; pedestrians may cross the course where possible. Many De Lijn bus routes will have to detour between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tram lines will keep you well connected in and towards the city centre. Only tram line 4 will operate a shortened route. Those wishing to travel by car through Ghent are advised to use Waze. The impact of the Sofico Gent Marathon route will be updated in the navigation app. Ghent’s parking guidance system is also continuously updated.
PRACTICAL INFO SOFICO GENT MARATHON
Programme Friday 27 March 2026:
• Collect bib number: 12:30 –6:30 p.m.
Programme Saturday 28 March 2026:
• Collect bib number: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Programme Sunday 29 March 2026:
• Collect bib number from 7:30 a.m.
• Start Marathon: 9 a.m.
• Start Half Marathon: 1:30 p.m.
• Close of finish: 5:15 p.m.
Start & finish:
Sport Vlaanderen Gent (Topsporthal), Zuiderlaan 14, 9000 Ghent
