The City of Brussels has announced that the 2025 Brussels Marathon will be its last, ending one of Belgium’s most recognisable running events after more than two decades.
The decision came just hours after this year’s race finished, when Mayor Philippe Close and sports alderwoman Florence Frelinx confirmed that the city will no longer host the event from 2026 onward.
In a joint statement, the officials said the move came amid “a particularly demanding budgetary and organisational context.” They noted that Brussels hosts over 3,000 events every year, and that the marathon’s logistical demands had become increasingly difficult to justify.
“The City regrets to inform you that from 2026 the Brussels Marathon will no longer be run within its territory,” the statement read. “This decision was not an easy one, but it stems from a desire to ensure responsible and sustainable management of the City’s resources.”
The 2025 edition saw a record turnout of around 20,000 runners from 125 countries, though fewer than 3,000 completed the full 42-kilometre distance. Most participants opted for the half marathon or 7 km races, a trend that may have influenced the city’s decision.
While the marathon has long showcased Brussels’ mix of urban and green scenery, it has also placed a significant burden on city services. Road closures, police coordination, and post-race cleanup require large-scale operations, stretching staff and budgets that must also support hundreds of other public events.
City officials praised organisers and volunteers for building what became a highlight of Brussels’ sporting calendar, but said resources needed to be redirected.
“We want to salute the work of the organisers and the dedication of the volunteers who have made the Brussels Marathon a sporting event that showcases the beauty of our capital,” Close and Frelinx added.
The Brussels Marathon, Half Marathon, and 7 km races have grown steadily in popularity since their relaunch in the early 2000s, drawing amateur and elite athletes alike. This year’s marathon was won by Kenya’s Hillary Mutai, while Belgium’s Amaury Paquet and Amélie Saussez took the top spots in the half marathon.
Although the city will no longer host the full marathon, officials hinted that a new running event could emerge elsewhere in the Brussels-Capital Region. That could mean a revised course or a different format that eases the strain on city infrastructure.
For many runners, the announcement is bittersweet. The Brussels Marathon has earned a loyal following for its challenging course, historic landmarks, and community atmosphere. Its end leaves a gap in Belgium’s running scene, where major events in Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges may now draw even greater attention.
The 2025 Brussels Marathon therefore served as both a celebration and a farewell, one last chance to run through the heart of the Belgian capital before the city’s iconic race takes its final bow.
