The 16 Most Beautiful Running Events in Belgium, the Netherlands & Luxembourg

If your idea of "miles munching" isn’t highways but goosebumps, adrenaline, and cheering crowds, then you’re in the right place.

The Benelux countries have more to offer runners than many think: from spectacular city marathons to adventurous trails through dense forests and vast dune landscapes. Here, people run, celebrate – and sometimes even enjoy a beer. The combination of sporting challenge, cultural flair, and a good dose of local color makes this region a true runner’s paradise.

Running enjoyment with Belgian charm

Note: The order does NOT indicate a ranking.

1. Belgian Front Memorial Trail

A trail that breathes history. On the Belgian Front Memorial Trail, you run along paths where soldiers once marched – today, the focus is on remembrance, the landscape, and the experience. Meadows, forests, and former trenches create a varied backdrop for trail fans.

With distances ranging from 8 to 43 kilometers, there’s something for every runner. And if you listen closely, you might hear the echo of past times… or just your own heartbeat.

Date: May

All information about the Belgian Front Memorial Trail

2. Antwerp 10 Miles

A classic among city races. The Antwerp 10 Miles is a true crowd-puller and a celebration for everyone who loves running in the heart of a vibrant metropolis. Two tunnels, historic buildings, and wildly cheering spectators included. The course is flat, fast, and full of emotion – anyone crossing the finish line will be grinning from ear to ear.

Tip: Don’t be surprised by the first tunnel – it’s impressive both acoustically and climatically!

With around 40,000 participants in total, it’s one of the largest running events in the world.

Date: April

All information about Antwerp 10 Miles

3. Great Breweries Marathon

Marathon meets malt! At the Great Breweries Marathon, sport and Belgian beer culture merge deliciously. The course passes – you guessed it – large breweries, with tastings after the finish line. Distances range from 25 km to the full marathon. And even if at km 30 your thirst for beer battles your willpower – at the finish, you’ll be greeted with hops and heart.

More than 6,000 participants join every year – one of the largest marathons in Belgium.

Date: May

All information about the Great Breweries Marathon

4. Beer Lovers' Marathon

Who says running always has to be serious? At the Beer Lovers' Marathon in Liège, participants dress up, taste, and celebrate. Along the marathon route, you’ll find not only hydration stations but also tasting stations with over 15 beer varieties. Many run in costume – from Vikings to brewery bottles, anything goes.

The focus is clearly on fun, but don’t underestimate the distance: it’s still a marathon, even if the atmosphere feels more like a festival than competitive sport. Around 2,000 runners participate each spring.

Date: May

All information about the Beer Lovers' Marathon

5. Trail des Fantômes (La Roche-en-Ardenne)

Spooky? Only in name! The Trail des Fantômes is one of Belgium’s most popular trails, running through the wild, almost alpine landscapes of the Ardennes. Technically demanding but scenically spectacular. Elevation, rocks, single trails, and forest passages create a true trail adventure. Bonus: The start area has a friendly atmosphere, and the region is simply magical – without any ghosts.

Distances range from 10 km up to more than 70 km.

Date: August

All information about the Trail des Fantômes

Running highlights in the Netherlands – flat, fast, and full of flair

Note: The order does NOT indicate a ranking.

6. Midwinter Marathon Apeldoorn

A winter fairy tale in February. The Midwinter Marathon is one of the oldest running events in the Netherlands – yet it’s anything but outdated. Through the Veluwe forest, the course offers challenging, rolling terrain. The atmosphere is relaxed yet professional. And even if it’s cold, spectators stand warmly dressed along the route, cheering you on with Dutch passion.

For those who don’t want to run a full marathon, there are also shorter distances available.

Date: February

All information about the Midwinter Marathon Apeldoorn

7. The Hague Half Marathon (NN CPC Loop The Hague)

Spring, flat, and fast – the half marathon through The Hague is the perfect season opener. From the city center, the course runs to the sea and back. The wind can be a spoiler, but those aiming for a personal best are in the right place. The finish line directly in front of the government building adds a politically impressive touch.

Over 30,000 runners participate each year in The Hague for the half marathon, 10 km, or 5 km.

Date: March

All information about The Hague Half Marathon

8. Venloop

Atmosphere? Incredible! Venloop is known for its spectators – from start to finish. You are carried along by drums, choirs, and cheering families. The half marathon through Venlo is fast, emotional, and beautifully organized. Anyone who has run here knows: running can feel like a festival.

But beware: starting spots usually sell out quickly.

Date: March

All information about Venloop

9. Rotterdam Marathon

It doesn’t get much faster. The Rotterdam Marathon is the flattest marathon race in Europe – with the atmosphere of a major event. International top runners, enthusiastic crowds, and a perfectly organized course through the port city. If you’re looking for a personal best, this is the place to start. Tip: the Erasmus Bridge is iconic – and unfortunately windy!

About 20,000 runners take part in the full marathon each year. Including other events, the total number reaches around 50,000 participants.

Date: April

All information about the Rotterdam Marathon

10. Zeeland Coast Marathon

Dutch idyll meets deluxe muscle soreness. The Kustmarathon takes you from Burgh-Haamstede to Zoutelande – over dunes, beach, asphalt, and stairs. One of the most beautiful, yet toughest marathons in the Netherlands. Not a second of boredom, just plenty of wind in your hair. Finish here, and you can officially call yourself a “Marathoner met karakter”.

Date: October

All information about the Zeeland Coast Marathon

11. Amsterdam Marathon

The Amsterdam Marathon is a true crowd favorite. Start and finish at the Olympic Stadium – goosebumps guaranteed! The course is fast, taking you through parks, along canals, and beside the Amstel River. Perfect for personal bests, sightseeing, and the full marathon atmosphere. And yes: Dutch organization is legendary in its efficiency.

Bad news for spontaneous runners: spots sell out months in advance.

Date: October

All information about the Amsterdam Marathon

12. Zevenheuvelenloop Nijmegen (Seven Hills Run)

An addictive hill run. The Zevenheuvelenloop offers a unique 15-km course through the wooded hills around Nijmegen. Not too long, not too short – and wonderfully varied. Spectators are enthusiastic, the scenery is green, and the post-race party is a must. For many, the most beautiful run in the Netherlands!

About 25,000 participants join every year. World records have even been set over this 15-km distance in Nijmegen.

Date: November

All information about Zevenheuvelenloop

13. Batavierenrace (World's Largest Relay Race)

A student running adventure with cult status. The Batavierenrace is a relay with over 8,000 participants from Nijmegen to Enschede. Night runs, exchange stations, chaos, euphoria – and a legendary afterparty. This event is less about pace and more about team spirit. If you’re young (or feel young), you should experience it at least once!

According to the organizers, it is the largest relay race in the world.

Date: May

All information about the Batavierenrace

14. Dam tot Damloop

A classic with cult status. The Dam tot Damloop covers 10 English miles (16.1 km) from Amsterdam to Zaandam – past music stages, through a dark tunnel, and through cheering neighborhoods. For many, the most beautiful mass participation run in the country. Beginners run alongside elite athletes – all together through a true atmosphere inferno.

With around 50,000 participants, it is one of the largest endurance events in Europe.

Date: September

All information about Dam tot Damloop

15. Zandvoort Circuit Run

Start on the Formula 1 track of Zandvoort – how cool is that? The Zandvoort Circuit Run combines motorsport atmosphere with beach-running romance. First on the famous racetrack, then through dunes and along the North Sea beach back. A real highlight, not just for speed enthusiasts.

Date: March

All information about the Zandvoort Circuit Run

Running fun in Luxembourg – small, charming, and magical

16. ING Night Marathon Luxembourg

Want a different experience? Run at night. The ING Night Marathon in Luxembourg offers exactly that – a lit-up spectacle through the charming capital. The course is challenging but incredibly atmospheric. Lights, music, party, and an emotional finish make it one of the most extraordinary marathons in Europe.

The half marathon is especially popular, but the full marathon also draws four-digit participation numbers.

Date: May

All information about the ING Night Marathon Luxembourg

The Most Beautiful Running Events in Belgium, the Netherlands & Luxembourg

Note: The order does NOT indicate a ranking.

The 25 most beautiful marathons in Europe

Summary