Puurs and the surrounding area are gearing up for a sporting highlight on Sunday that has now become a fixture on the running and walking calendar. The Great Breweries Marathon is now in its ninth year and expects about 5,000 participants this weekend. Online registration for this unique event, a sporting tribute to Belgium’s rich beer culture, remains open until midnight on Saturday. Registration on site on Sunday is also possible.
Around 3,000 runners and 2,000 walkers have already signed up for the 2026 Great Breweries Marathon, organised by sports company Golazo in collaboration with Duvel Moortgat, Brewery Palm & De Hoorn and Brewery Bosteels. The marathon and 25K are open to both runners and walkers. There is also a 17K race for runners only. The 25K is the most popular distance for both walkers and runners.
The start and finish are located at the Duvel Moortgat Brewery in Breendonk (Puurs). From there, the route takes participants along quiet, rural roads through the provinces of Antwerp, Flemish Brabant and East Flanders. After 10 km, the walkers stop in Steenhuffel, at the Palm & De Hoorn Brewery, where a tasting session is also planned. The 25 km participants then head towards Lippelo.
Those tackling the marathon distance will first be treated to an extra loop via Buggenhout, home to the Bosteels Brewery. There, too, walkers will enjoy a break with a beer tasting. Via Opdorp, the marathon participants will then rejoin the course in Lippelo, after which the route heads back to Breendonk.
Afterwards, both runners and walkers can raise a glass together to celebrate their sporting achievement at the finish line at Duvel Moortgat. All participants will also receive a Great Breweries beer pack to take home, with the clear message that enjoyment and responsibility go hand in hand. Drinking and driving do not mix!
Accessibility
The organisers of the Great Breweries Marathon encourage all participants to travel to the start in Breendonk by bike or public transport on Sunday morning. Ample bicycle parking facilities will be provided near the entrance to the Duvel Moortgat Brewery and the start area. Those arriving by train can transfer to a free shuttle bus in Mechelen.
Those who do come by car should bear in mind that the centre of Breendonk is not accessible by car. Drivers must follow the signs to the car parks and carefully follow the instructions of the marshals. They will guide everyone to the available parking spaces. From the car park at Pfizer in Puurs, a free shuttle bus will take participants to the start in Breendonk.
