Registration for the eighth edition of the SOFICO Gent Marathon opens on Thursday 18 September at 11 a.m. On Sunday 29 March 2026, the city of Artevelde will once again be all set for a huge running festival. The previous edition attracted a record number of 20,000 participants. More than 3,000 runners secured their starting place on the first day and places will go quickly again this time around. Organiser Golazo expects a new record edition, with the 20,000-runner mark being exceeded by a wide margin.

The SOFICO Ghent Marathon is the first major Belgian spring marathon of 2026 and, in addition to the legendary 42.195 km, the programme also features a half marathon. Highlights of the course include the loops through the historic city centre – past the famous three towers of Ghent – and, for marathon runners, a passage through the Planet Group Arena, the football stadium of KAA Gent. The start and finish are located at Sport Vlaanderen Gent (Topsporthal) on Zuiderlaan.

Another characteristic of the SOFICO Gent Marathon is the great atmosphere along the course, with numerous entertainers and tens of thousands of spectators cheering the runners on to the finish line. Participating in the SOFICO Gent Marathon is a total experience. New for the 2026 edition – for an even greater experience – is a live tracking app that will allow supporters to follow their favourite runner(s) closely during their run.

Bram Van Braeckevelt, Councillor for Sport in Ghent, is already looking forward to the eighth edition of the SOFICO Gent Marathon. “Welcome to everyone who wants to take on this sporting challenge on 29 March! The beautiful course once again runs through the heart of Ghent, but at the same time focuses on running comfort for every runner and on a great vibe and conviviality. In just a few years, the SOFICO Gent Marathon has become the spring marathon of our country, and we as Ghent residents can be delighted about that!”

Wim De Bruyne, CEO Sofico: “We are proud to have been the title partner of the Sofico Gent Marathon for many years. The event reflects values that are also central to Sofico: perseverance, teamwork and pushing boundaries. We look forward to experiencing another unforgettable edition together!”

Registrations:

The 2026 Sofico Gent Marathon will take place on Sunday 29 March. Registration opens on Thursday 18 September at 11 a.m.