On Sunday 5 May, the Great Breweries Marathon will welcome no fewer than 6000 runners and walkers. Start and finish are at Duvel Moortgat brewery in Breendonk. In addition to the marathon, the programme of this unique experience event also features a 25K and 17K, participants of the longest two distances will also be able to visit Bosteels Brewery in Buggenhout and Palm & De Hoorn & Rodenbach breweries in Steenhuffel … and taste the beers there.
The course of the Great Breweries Marathon meanders from Duvel Moortgat brewery in Breendonk over rural roads across Antwerp, Flemish Brabant, and East Flanders. After 10 km, walkers can take a break at Palm & De Hoorn & Rodenbach breweries in Steenhuffel and of course sample one of the delicious beers there. The participants in the 25K will then take a turn towards Lippelo.
Those who opted for the marathon distance will first make a loop around Buggenhout, where Bosteels Brewery is located. Once again, walkers can look forward to a beer tasting. Via Opdorp the marathon participants will also reach Lippelo and from there they circle back to Breendonk. At the finish at Duvel Moortgat, the walkers and runners can raise a glass to their wonderful sporting achievement. All participants will also go home with a Great Breweries beer package.
The runners make up 60% of the field of participants, the walkers 40%. Among both runners and walkers, the 25K is the most popular distance. 875 runners and 450 walkers are taking the challenge of the marathon distance of 42.195 km. The Great Breweries Marathon is also gaining popularity over the country’s borders, with 10% of participants coming from the Netherlands.
Accessibility
The Great Breweries Marathon organisers encourage all participants to come to the start in Breendonk on Sunday morning by bike or public transport. There will be ample bike parking by the entrance to Duvel Moortgat brewery and the start area. Those coming by train, can change to a free shuttle bus in Mechelen.
Those who do come by car should note that the centre of Breendonk will not be accessible for cars. Motorists should carefully follow the signposts for the car parks and the instructions of the signallers. They will guide everyone to the free parking spaces. There is a shuttle bus that will take participants from the Pfizer car park in Puurs to the start in Breendonk.
