The next edition of the Sofico Gent Marathon will take place on Sunday 26 March 2023. The course takes in the most beautiful attractions of the Artevelde city and guarantees a great experience for both participants and supporters. Besides the marathon, half marathon and 11 km, there will also be a 5 km course. Registration for this unique city marathon is now open.
After a first very successful edition of the Sofico Gent Marathon across the Artvelde city, participants will dive into the Ghent city centre on Sunday 26 March 2023 again. The course will pass by Ghent’s most beautiful attractions and Ghelamco Arena, this will apply to both marathon and half marathon runners. “We have a beautiful course, the most enthusiastic spectators in the country and – last year – the largest number of participants. We want to continue to focus on that. We will endeavour to make the course even better together with the City of Ghent. This marathon has gained incredible popularity in just a few years. Demand is high, so we are happy to be able to open registrations,” says Greg Broekmans of Golazo sports.
“For the third year in a row, Sofico is linking its name to the Ghent Marathon, and that is no coincidence,” says Piet Maes, co-founder and CTO of Sofico. “From our beginnings in Ghent, we have grown into the international reference in software for automotive and mobility services, with customers and offices worldwide. We are therefore proud to introduce an international audience to the sporty side of our ‘home town’: from the historic city centre to the green belt surrounding it.”
Improved course and officially measured distances
To give runners an even richer marathon experience, the organisers are currently finalising an optimised course with even more atmosphere and entertainment along the routes. The marathon and half marathon courses will also be officially measured by World Athletics. This means that marathon runners can use their result in Ghent to qualify for some of the biggest marathons in the world, including the Boston Marathon.
Ideal spot on the European running calendar
In terms of timing, the Ghent city Marathon has already secured a nice spot in spring. The end of March is an ideal time on the marathon calendar. It is very attractive for participants from across the borders. After all, the 15% international participants in 2022 show that the Sofico Gent Marathon did not go unnoticed. In 2023, the organisation is strongly committed to further cementing its position on that international running calendar and enabling the international participants to once again enjoy the beautiful Ghent city marathon.
“We are very happy that the Sofico Ghent Marathon is returning,” says delighted Sofie Bracke, Councillor for Economy, Trade, Port and Sport. “The race encourages thousands of people to exercise: not just the people of Ghent, but also the many ‘marathon tourists’ from abroad. They often also book a hotel in our city or go out for a meal afterwards. So the marathon not only provides a sporty reputation, but also a nice, economic return.”
Four distances for the whole family
The Sofico Gent Marathon will also be the perfect sporting outing for the whole family in 2023. Those who find the mythical 42.195 km or half marathon a little too much of a good thing can also opt for a beautiful run of 11 or 5 km. Something for everyone!
