Marathon Eindhoven

Marathon Eindhoven occupies a full October weekend in Eindhoven, with the marathon typically held on the second Sunday and concluding on the Vestdijk. The primary race covers 42.195 km with a six-hour time limit. The event also features a half marathon, quarter marathon, 5 km, CityRuns, Kids Runs, business runs, Urban Walks of 10 and 15 km, and a relay where four participants each run slightly over 10.5 km. It ranks as the third largest marathon in the Netherlands, following Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The broader event attracts over 38,000 participants and more than 200,000 spectators. The race originated as the Lichtstad Marathon, with initial editions seeing only about 50 to 60 participants. It was later revived for Eindhoven’s city anniversary, and subsequent runner advocacy ensured its continuation. The course has been modified multiple times to extend deeper into the city. The race has a significant Belgian contingent; the Belgian Championship Marathon is integrated into the Sunday schedule, and Belgian runners frequently feature prominently among the elite field. Eindhoven is a fast marathon course, evidenced by a men's course record below 2:05, a women's record under 2:23, and one of the world's fastest average top-ten marathon times. The event contributes to KWF Kankerbestrijding, enabling runners to fundraise for cancer research.