The spirit of the 2025 European Running Championships will live on in Leuven. Following the resounding success of April’s inaugural event, the Belgian city will now host its very own annual Leuven Marathon, with the inaugural edition scheduled for 19 April 2026.
Far from being a one-off celebration, the European Running Championships which took place in Brussels-Leuven on 12-13 April, have ignited a running boom in Leuven and the surrounding region.
Over 28,000 participants from 84 countries, cheered on by 160,000 spectators, made the Championships an unforgettable experience. Now, that same energy will continue to inspire through the new marathon, ensuring the event leaves a tangible legacy for both the city and its citizens.
Organised by Golazo in collaboration with the City of Leuven, the Leuven Marathon will adopt a format that proved so popular earlier this year featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 10km race, all starting and finishing at Parkpoort, near Sportoase.
A direct legacy
“The European Running Championships brought so much positivity and enthusiasm that continuing this momentum felt like the natural next step,” says Thomas Huyberechts of Golazo.
“The Leuven Marathon is a direct legacy of the Championships. It gives the people of Leuven and beyond a new goal to look forward to, while keeping the city firmly on the European running map.”
Deputy Mayor for Sports Christophe Stockman said: “The European Running Championships proved Leuven is a true sports city. With the Leuven Marathon, we are transforming that success into an annual tradition, building on our experience and strong partnerships to make it another unforgettable event.”
The second edition of the European Running Championships will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, on 18–19 April 2027. The event - featuring marathon, half marathon, and 10km races - will be organised by the Belgrade Marathon in cooperation with the Serbian Athletics Federation.