The next edition of the Sofico Gent Marathon will take place on Sunday 27 March 2022. The course has been given a thorough facelift and will cross the art-historic city centre of Ghent for the first time. Registration for this unique city marathon is now open.
Traditionally, the Topsporthal along Watersportbaan is the start and finish location, but the rest of the parcours is getting a serious upgrade. Participants will run straight through the city centre on 27 March. That will make the Sofico Gent Marathon a true city marathon, more than ever before.
The course takes in the prettiest attractions of Artevelde’s city. A highlight will be the stretch over St Michael’s Bridge, giving runners a magnificent view over the famous three towers: St Nicholas Church, Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral. The Ghelamco Arena and Energy Lab buildings also feature on the parcours of the marathon.
“The end of March is the ideal time for the marathon calendar”, says Greg Broekmans of organiser Golazo sports. “The Ghent marathon is very popular in Ghent and surroundings. However, Ghent also has a lot to offer as an art-historic city to visitors coming from further away. Marathon tourism is booming. It goes without saying that we want to also attract lots of international marathon runners. Furthermore, we are proud to finally also be able to roll out our city parcours for runners.”
Need some extra motivation? Then Bashir Abdi is the man for you. This proud man from Ghent, Olympic Medal Winner and brand new European Record Holder in the marathon is ambassador of the Sofico Gent Marathon and non-profit organisation Sportaround, the charity that the Sofico Gent Marathon has chosen to support.
“It has been a well-known fact for a while that exercising is good for body and mind”, says Bashir Abdi. “Non-profit organisation Sportaround from Ghent gives children the opportunity to develop themselves in a positive way through sport. Add your support for this non-profit organisation when registering, so that these children can also make their dreams come true!”
Those who think the mythical 42.195 km is too much of a good thing, can also opt for a half marathon or a wonderful 11 km run. There is something for everyone!
