_{^{This article contains affiliate links, if you click on one I may get a small commission.}}

As part of my year of running a half marathon every month in a new country, I went to Belgium for the Brussels Airport Half Marathon. This race is best known for its key feature: running almost 3km in a tunnel underneath the city. It was a very varied course, crossing through farms, over train tracks, around gorgeous churches, and even under the Atomium to show a wide variety of scenes within Brussels.

If you’re looking for someone to plan a vacation around the Brussels Half or Full Marathon for you, look no further. I offer trip consultations, tailored travel itineraries, and end-to-end trip planning. I even support running clubs traveling in large groups.

Brussels Airport Half Marathon Overview

This medium sized race has just under 10k runners and it is a great option for people looking for a nice fall race. Brussels in early October has wonderful weather. This race also had one of the best announcers I have seen at any race, who was working hard in the starting corrals to keep spirits high.

Brussels Airport Half Marathon Course

Do you like bridges? Do you like tunnels? This race has both in abundance. Runners start the race downtown and then quickly are directed underground into one of the main tunnels in Brussels. This tunnel is typically exclusively used for cars, so running in this race is one of your only chances to experience it on foot. While this section is cool, there are plenty of rolling hills in the tunnel and the air can get a bit stuffy. After about 3km in the tunnel, runners exit just past the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart. I have never in my life been so excited for fresh air. 

By this point, runners are firmly in North Brussels. The surrounding area is beautiful but very residential. There are a few small bridges you run over, and tunnels you run under, that are only worth noting because of the small hills that accompany them. 

The end of the race was a bit difficult, as you went out and back along a slow and long uphill. This part really started to challenge me as it does feel like it will never end. Finally, you will see the Atomium, while at this point you still have a bit to go, having the massive sculpture towering over you does provide some relief for any boredom and despair you may be facing. 

After running under the Atomium, you enter King Baudouin Stadium for a final lap. I do love ending on tracks, as it guarantees that I will have space to really open my strides and empty my tank. It is also a guarantee that you won’t be overcrowded at the finish line.

Travel to and From the Race

The Metro in Brussels is wonderful and efficient. With stops located near the start and finish lines this is a great way to get around the city. If you don’t want to wait to buy a ticket, the system does accept contactless payment at the till. The start is located in the middle of the Sainte Catherine, Centrale, and Congres Metro stations. At the finish line you will find the 6 metro line, and the 9, 51, and 93 trams.

Water and Bathrooms

This course had the nicest pre-race porta-potties I have ever seen, including a hand washing station outside the stalls. I was absolutely blown away by this detail. The water stations were also good with six stations that all had plenty of water and other juices for runners to pick up throughout the course.

Support During the Brussels Airport Half Marathon

While there were some people out to cheer for the runners, this was not a huge race for supporters. Most portions of the race did not have anyone, and a lot of the supporters I did see seemed to be mostly confused. I genuinely think 99% of them were just trying to cross the course and decided to cheer while waiting for an opening.

About Brussels

The heart of the EU, Brussels is a gorgeous city with some of the best parks and food in Europe. While I was there I enjoyed waffles, fries, mussels, and chocolate, aka the classics. I highly recommend that you take the time to explore the Botanical Garden, it’s located right in the city center and is a gorgeous escape from the city. Brussels is not one of the busy European capitals, but it is a beautiful city to just sit back and enjoy life.

Register for the Brussels Airport Half Marathon

Registering for the Brussels Airport Half Marathon is extremely easy and only takes a couple of minutes. Unlike other races I have done there are no extra forms you need to fill out or Doctor’s notes required. If you are ready to make the leap for this fun Half, you can sign up here. 

If you are looking for something larger next fall, I would suggest the Copenhagen Half Marathon. With over 30,000 runners, this race goes through the heart of Copenhagen. I did have some issues with the 2023 version, but you can read about it here and make your choice.