Bruges Marathon stood out to me as the perfect blend of international race excitement without the stress of long haul travel. It is marketed as a flat, fast and scenic route through one of Europe’s most romantic medieval cities, it promised the ideal setting to chase a time while enjoying the history and atmosphere.
A big draw for me was the promise of a fast route with a lower risk of extreme heat or strong winds, conditions that can make or break a race day, something that I had previously experienced.
Bruges also felt accessible in that it was close enough to avoid complicated logistics, it’s affordable compared to many major European races and with the added bonus of easy onward travel into Holland.
For me, that made it even more appealing as I was able to combine the marathon with a trip to visit family, which turned the race weekend into a wider adventure rather than just a quick in and out event.
It felt like the best of both worlds, a race abroad filled with character and charm, but without unnecessary stress. It mattered to me that the experience would be meaningful, regardless of what the clock said at the finish line; if the sub-3 didn’t happen, I still wanted the trip to feel worthwhile. Bruges offered exactly that, an experience that was more than just a bib number and finish time.
EXPO AND BIB COLLECTION
The expo was easy to find, about 15 minutes walk from my hotel, and located close to the start (this is also where the bag drop is). Number collection was smooth, bibs organised numerically, quick T-shirt pick up and I was done in 5 minutes.
The expo itself is very small and underwhelming in that it has one merchandise stall (Bruges marathon kit), one protein brand stall and a pull up competition, plus a couple of BMW's for sale.
Outside, they had the course map and a big poster with everyone’s names which made for a fun photo spot.
RACE DAY
Getting to the start area from my hotel was a short 15 minute walk. I ended up using this as a warm up which was just under a mile.
TOILETS
There were four rows of toilets literally on the side of the start, but queues were long so arrive early.
I queued for around 20 minutes with very little movement, as my start time was nearing, I ended up pleading with people at the front of the queue to let me jump ahead, which gratefully they did.
The toilets were fully stocked, and the organisers have a big focus on women’s health so the toilet at the start and on route has sanitary items which I felt was a nice touch. I also saw plenty of toilets on route, though gratefully I didn’t need to stop.
BAG DROP
The bag drop was at the expo which is about a 2 minute walk to the start and about a 5 to 6 minute walk from the finish.
It was easy to use and hassle free, though if you were tired at the end, the idea of walking that way back could be a little overwhelming.
THE START
Runners were released over a 45 minute window, based on predicted finish times (though not enforced, you were not allocated a starting wave you just started where you thought was most applicable to your finish time). Marathon and half marathon runners started together.
Getting into the pen was tricky, runners and spectators were mixed, and the toilet queues were also mixed in, so I ended up jumping the fence to get in. Once in the pen the organisers done well getting everyone ready, they played music, had cheer leaders and then down a countdown clap getting everyone involved. I found this quite emotional and was crying before I had even started.
Despite the busy start, the course opened quickly, and I didn’t experience any bottlenecks which I was concerned about as I knew that some of the paths were quite narrow.
THE COURSE
TERRAIN
The terrain did feel flat and fast, though there was around 6 miles of cobbles through the centre.
Beautiful but punishing on the legs, especially in carbon shoes and in the latter miles I did feel every cobble and had to ensure I stayed on the centre of the path to reduce the risk of rolling my ankle.
ELEVATION
Just 262 ft over 26.2 miles making it excellent PB potential. The course also measured up near on perfect, just over at 26.27 miles according to Garmin.
SPECTATORS AND ENTERTAINMENT
This was fantastic. The streets were lined with brass bands, DJs, cheerleaders, drummers, and lively cheer zones.
The stretch between miles 17 to 22 is quieter, but support picks up again toward the finish. Sometimes I was hanging on for when I was struggling.
WEATHER
Again, I cannot complain about the weather. It was perfect, a slight overcast, 13 °C (56 °F), light winds (3.5 mph), 85 % humidity. The rain held up throughout the run and as I finished the sun broke out, making sitting outside with a Belgium beer perfect.
FUEL STATIONS
The fuel stations were approximately every 5 km. I didn’t really use this, but they did appear well stocked with water, energy, sweets and fruit.
My only criticism was that water was served in hard plastic cups, therefore when people were dropping the cups on the floor you had to be extra careful to not stand on them as it, they wouldn’t have flatted, and you risked hurting yourself.
Most runners did chuck the cups to the side, or in the bags nearby, but naturally people do drop them in your path, and I found it a littler dangerous.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
Just coming up to the halfway, right near where the half marathon runners peeled off to finish. You are coming back into the city centre, and it is so loud with the crowds cheering you own and shouting out your name (as written on your running bib). It was a huge boost heading into the second half.
THE FINISH
The finish line had a short stretch of blue carpet, lined with supporters. Half marathon and marathon runners merged towards the finish which made it feel busy and slightly chaotic. It was difficult to move through the crowds of spectators immediately after finishing, a fenced-off exit lane would have helped.
As I crossed the line, I was told I’d placed 3rd female and was invited to the podium ceremony 20 minutes later. The top three women were called up, awarded trophies, and presented with local beers, which felt like a lovely touch and smoothly run.
THE MEDAL
The medal itself was handed out in the finish chute (half and full together) and makes a lovely souvenir.
POST RACE
There was no prolonged waiting around and the organisers really spent time speaking with you after, understanding your reasons for running and I just found that lovely.
Post race, there was a recovery area which was a a short walk away and had free pasta & beer for runners (voucher on your bib), medal engraving, DJ set and a PB bell.
COURSE & EVENT EXPERIENCE
Bruges Marathon is flat, scenic, and brilliantly supported, weaving through gothic streets, canals and lively squares. It’s one of the most beautiful city marathons I’ve run, and I genuinely loved it.
For the most part, I could hide the smile and the tears as it felt surreal. It isn’t one of the biggest marathons that I have ran, but it was up there as one of the most special, even writing this I feel emotional!
The cobbles are a real factor, though, about 6 miles in total and can be challenging if you’re chasing a PB, especially in carbon plated shoes. I was constantly watching my step and found that positioning myself on the centre of the path was the most comfortable, though it does mean that at times you risk running wide (longer).
The start area could be better organised, it did feel chaotic and there were people everywhere. I think greater attention needs to be made in terms of separating the runners and the spectators. This was the same in terms of the finishing chute which needs more space. It took me a long time to get out of the finish line as there were crowds and crowds of people waiting for their friends/family, but these are minor critiques in what is otherwise a superbly run event.
COST
I paid €105 for my marathon entry, but there are early-bird discounts depending on when you sign up:
- First 1,000: €90
- 1,001–3,000: €95
- 3,001–6,000: €100
- 6,001+: €105
INCLUDED
- Bruges marathon race t-shirt (collection at the expo).
- A beer (alcoholic or alcohol free) at the finish.
- A post race pasta at the finish food market
Other distances available are the half marathon & 8km family walk.
Like with the marathon, the half and the 8km had staggering prices based on how early you entered. The half started at €41 and went up to €53.
The 8km started at €25 and went up to €29.
WOMEN SPECIFIC SUPPORT
Every aid station had a clearly marked ladies only box with tampons and sanitary pads, a thoughtful touch I’ve not seen at any other races.
I think it’s the first time Bruges has trailed this.
TRAVEL & GETTING THERE
Travel time from home was around 5 hours in total, including:
- Drive to Dover (2hours)
- DFDS Seaways ferry from Dover - Dunkirk (£154.99 return, 2 hours)
- 55-minute drive from Dunkirk to Bruges
The whole journey was smooth, the ferry ran on time and the roads were straightforward.
Parking in Bruges can be expensive, and most accommodation doesn’t include it. I parked at Park & Ride Boogschutterslaan, which is a free car park just 1.2 miles from my hotel. It’s an easy walk into the centre, though buses also run frequently.
Side note: Behind the car park is a local sports club with padel, tennis, darts and a lively evening atmosphere. We had dinner and a beer there on the night I dropped the car off, it was good food, friendly staff, and about €50 for two which for Bruges is pretty good.
ACCOMMODATION
I booked Rosenburg Hotel Brugge, right beside the canal and a 10 to 15 minute walk to the start, finish, and expo (all of which are in Brugge’s centre) which was ideal for the race weekend and also for exploring afterwards.
The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and spent quite a lot of time showing us a map of the area and highlighting points of interest.
- 3 nights (Fri–Mon) for 2 people: £453.50 + £24 city tax.
- Breakfast not included but lots of places to eat nearby.
Accommodation in Bruges is generally pricey, but this was a good deal for the location. I spent a long time looking and when I initially found this hotel it was around £600, however the price did drop two months before.
I used booking.com mainly because I could cancel for free up until 3 days before in case I found somewhere else to stay.
GEAR
WHAT I WORE
- Puma Fast-R 3 Shoes: Lightweight but slightly unstable on the cobbles; my calves felt it in the final 10 km, and I did wonder if I needed a little bit of extra support.
- Club vest
- Sweaty Betty Power 6” shorts: These are my favourite shorts, the pockets are perfect for carrying several gels, phone, keys (should you wish). They stay in place and no chaffing.
- Classic black active crew socks from Versus: These were great. Breathable mesh that enhanced airflow which kept my feet cool and dry and reduced sweat buildup meaning I came away with no blisters of cut feet.
HOW I FUELLED
BEFORE
- Jam bagels
- Porridge
- Banana
- Maurten drink mix 160
- Coffee.
I struggled to eat before the run, which is quite unlike me, and I think it was primarily due to nerves.
So, I was gratefully that the night before I had a big pasta and garlic bread!
DURING
AFTER
Pasta, beer, electrolyte drink, Trek bar & snack bar (both handed out at the finish).
PERFORMANCE
My target was a sub 3 marathon, and for 20 miles, everything was going well. The energy was incredible, the crowds were loud and I felt strong, like I was exactly where I was meant to be, doing exactly what I came to do and I couldn’t stop smiling, and crying. But as every marathoner knows, a marathon only truly starts at 20 miles.
The final 10km became a battle. Relentless calf cramps kicked in which refused to ease, and my pace started to slip. I crossed the line in 3:02:13, just outside my goal and outside my PB.
In that moment, I can't deny how disappointed I felt. There’s a unique heartbreak in watching the clock move away from you while your body refuses to respond, and in those final miles you realise no one can save you but you.
Quitting was never an option, I have quit a marathon before and I know that unless I absolutely must, there is no way I ever will again. I knew I would finish no matter what, but mentally, those last few miles stretched endlessly, and I felt every single footstep.
What made it tougher was the comparison. The last time I ran 3:02, it felt comfortable, dare I say easy, and I floated across the finish line ecstatic. This time, expectation had snuck in. I wanted more from myself. I pushed. And I really tried.
But perspective is powerful. Ultimately, I finished as 3rd female in an international marathon, came home with a trophy, a beer, and a heart full of pride and lessons. I pushed my physical and mental limits, I didn’t quit, and growth always lives in those uncomfortable edges. It just means I know must go again!
WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?
Yes. Bruges Marathon is perfect for runners chasing a PB (low elevation, fast course), those looking for a scenic European city break, first timers wanting excellent support in a stunning setting.
I chatted with organisers after the race and they shared that a few years ago, the route went out to the coast and back, but they changed it to focus on the beauty of Bruges which I think is great.
CONCLUSION
Athora Bruges Marathon is a such a lovely race, beautiful, flat, well supported and full of character.
Aside from a few logistical tweaks, it’s beautifully organised and offers a truly memorable race experience in one of the most magical European cities.
Whether you’re chasing a PB or running for joy, Bruges delivers something special.