Record number of 12,600 participants for Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon

Kenyan Simon Kipkosgei (24) books first major marathon victory

The 18th edition of the Brussels Marathon & Half Marathon attracted an impressive number of 12,600 runners to the European capital, 30% more than last year. Participants from more than 100 countries were able to enjoy numerous iconic landmarks on the revamped course. Kenyan Simon Kipkosgei won the marathon in a time of 2:15:31.

 A bright autumn sun, a course that combined sporting effort with the most beautiful spots in Brussels and a finish on the renovated track of the King Baudouin Stadium: all the ingredients were present today for a successful 18th edition of the Brussels Marathon & Half Marathon.

A record number of 12,600 participants came to Brussels and enjoyed themselves to the fullest. With 6,000 athletes at the start, the Brussels Airport Half Marathon was traditionally the most popular distance, while 1,800 runners opted for the mythical 42.195 kilometers. The Kids Run and Race for the Cure attracted 200 and 2,800 participants respectively to the King Baudouin Stadium. The Brussels Airport 10K was good for 1,800 runners.

Sporting spectacle

 For the Brussels Airport Marathon, top Kenyan runners Simon Kipkosgei and Moses Mwarur were the ones to watch. The 24-year-old Kipkosgei ran to his first major marathon victory. He reached the finish line in a time of 2:15:31. His compatriot Mwarur was second in 2:18:24, while Belgian François Clais completed the podium with a time of 2:39:35.

Among the women, the win went to Brit Christa Cain (2:50:50). Polish Joanna Drewnicka-Ogrodnik (3:16:42) and Belgian Annelore Salens (3:19:05) completed the top three. In the half marathon, the Belgians were celebrating with wins for home runners Lukas Outtier (1:11:12) and Mathilde Deswaef (1:20:56).

Running together and cheering together

"It was a particularly successful edition of the Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon at which we welcomed no less than 12,600 participants, over 30% more than last year. It was once again a great international running celebration with over 100 nationalities, who could practice their sport together during this event on a unique course across our capital city. From the youngest at the Kids Run to the professional runners at the marathon, everyone was welcome to run together, to cheer, and to discover Brussels. From the airport community, there was a record number of participants with as many as 430 runners from 15 different companies. And we are also very happy that, thanks to the runners, we can support the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity with a contribution for the fight against Parkinson's," said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.

More information? www.brusselsairportmarathon.be