Thousands Converge for Antwerp's Premier Running Event
Antwerp, Belgium – On Sunday, October 20, 2024, the city of Antwerp transformed into a vibrant hub for runners as nearly 20,000 participants took part in the annual Antwerp Marathon event. The day featured not only the full marathon but also a half marathon and a 10K race, drawing a diverse crowd of running enthusiasts to the historic Belgian city.
Race Highlights and Participation
The TREK Antwerp Marathon, an AIMS-certified event, offered participants three distinct distances: the classic 42.195 km marathon, a 21.0975 km half marathon, and a 10 km race. While the full marathon alone saw 3,744 finishers in 2024, the combined participation across all categories contributed to the significant turnout. The event is known for its festive atmosphere and well-organized logistics, providing a memorable experience for all involved.
Marathon Victories in 2024
In the men's full marathon, Eskil Kinneberg of Sweden secured first place, completing the challenging course in a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 41 seconds. The women's marathon title was claimed by Hanne Christensen, who crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 53 minutes, and 17 seconds. These athletes led the field in a race that showcased both competitive spirit and personal achievement.
A Scenic Journey Through Antwerp
The marathon course, described as varied, flat, and fast, offered runners a unique tour through the heart of Antwerp. Starting at Limaplein, the route guided participants past numerous city icons, including the Port Authority Building, the bustling Meir, the majestic Central Station, and the picturesque districts of Zurenborg and the Green Quarter. Runners also passed by the Boerentoren, the Courthouse, and the Zuidpark, before concluding their journey under the iconic MAS (Museum aan de Stroom). The course features an elevation gain of approximately 250 meters (800 feet).
5 Comments
Muchacho
Inspiring to see so many achieving their goals. Great job, Antwerp!
Mariposa
20,000 runners? Imagine the traffic chaos that caused.
Muchacha
What a fantastic event for the city! So proud of all the runners.
Comandante
Attracting 20,000 people is a huge success for the city's image, but I hope the city also invests in accessible, everyday running infrastructure for its citizens, not just big events.
Coccinella
Expensive entry fees for participants, I bet. Who benefits besides organizers?