Marathon races near Lier

The Brussels Ekiden is a 42-kilometer relay race held in Bruxelles each October. Rather than a single runner completing the entire distance, a team divides the race into segments, with runners taking turns. This format resembles a shared marathon more than an individual road race, drawing from the Japanese long-distance relay tradition of ekiden, which is centered on stage-to-stage running. The exchange of a cloth sash, known as a tasuki, between successive runners defines the ekiden. This practice originates from Japan's historical courier system, where messages were transported between stations. The modern racing adaptation traces its roots to an extended multi-day run between Kyoto and Tokyo. In Japan, ekiden is strongly associated with school, university, prefectural, and corporate teams, and the Brussels event reflects this team-racing culture over the typical mass-start marathon atmosphere.

The Linker Oevert Marathon Antwerpen is a city road race in Antwerp, Belgium, held in mid-October. Participants can select 10 km, half marathon, or full marathon distances, accommodating both those advancing from shorter races and experienced marathoners. Each distance features a single-loop course: 10 km, 21.0975 km, or 42.195 km. The route crosses Antwerp, offering sights of the River Scheldt and city landmarks. Spectators can cheer runners, then explore Antwerp's attractions such as the zoo, the MAS museum, or the diamond district.

The TREK Antwerp Marathon is an October running event in Antwerp, a Belgian port city on the Scheldt. Participants can select the full marathon, half marathon, or 10K, accommodating both long-distance runners and those seeking a shorter city race. The event draws a significant field for a Belgian city race, with approximately 20,000 runners participating across the three distances. This marks the sixth edition of the race. The route crosses the center of Antwerp, passing historic landmarks instead of skirting the city's periphery. Marathon participants are supported by pacers identified by colored target-time flags. The course features aid stations and distinct kilometer and time markers. All finishers are awarded a medal, and marathon entrants also receive an event T-shirt. Additionally, runners have the option to pay after completing the race to have their medal engraved with their name and finish time. Timing is managed via electronic chip with live results available online. The practical arrangements include changing tents and secure bag storage, but showers are not provided at the venue.

The Wase Marathon takes place at OC Troelant in Sint-Niklaas, East Flanders, offering races of various distances rather than a single marathon. The event includes a 5K Bokkenrun, 10 miles, a half marathon, and a 58 km ultramarathon, catering to local runners seeking shorter races and those desiring a long trail-style challenge. The courses traverse the Waasland countryside via rural and regional paths, described by organizers as a run through Wase nature. Running Team Sinaai vzw manages the event with volunteer support for marshalling, aid stations, catering, registration, and the finish area. The club has been recognized as Sint-Niklaas’s Ambassador of Sportiness by the city and sports council, reflecting the event's club-organized, community-focused character.

Marathon Kasterlee is a running event in Kasterlee, Belgium. Both the marathon and half marathon begin at 10:00 AM in mid-November. The race uses a 21 km loop; marathon participants complete the loop twice, and half marathoners complete it once. This is not a fast, city-road race, as approximately 90 percent of the course runs through forest and field paths. The route is suitable for runners who prefer soft ground, varied footing, and a rural setting that can become challenging after rain. The participant list frequently includes triathletes and duathletes using this event as a final preparation before the Hel van Kasterlee, the local winter duathlon. One sold-out edition attracted 300 marathon runners and 1,600 half marathon runners, contributing to the event's significant participation while maintaining its local identity.

On the last Sunday of October, Etten-Leur dedicates its streets and outer roads to the Van Oers Marathon Brabant. Participants can select from a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon. A 2.5K race is available for ages 10 to 16, and a family run is offered for younger children. This event is a wide-ranging local race day, attracting thousands of runners and supporters to the town center and surrounding areas. The course, as described by the organizers, is varied, incorporating both central Etten-Leur and its environs. The event originated over 40 years ago, linked to the 15th anniversary of the athletics club Achilles. While its distances and route have evolved, the race continues to rely on club involvement, local backing, and a large race-day crowd. Businesses can also compete in the “Fastest Company in West Brabant” challenge, open to companies from beyond the immediate region.

The Leuven Marathon is an urban road race held in Leuven, Belgium, on a Sunday in April, starting and finishing at Sportoase. Participants can select from a marathon, half marathon, or 10 km race, catering to both full-distance athletes and those preferring a shorter city run. The course winds through central Leuven, with marathon participants completing an additional loop towards the Brabantse Wouden. Live music, DJs, and numerous spectators line the route, contributing to a city event atmosphere rather than a secluded road race. The inaugural event attracted 17,900 participants in total, comprising approximately 3,300 marathon runners and about 5,700 in the 10 km race. The organizers established the event following the success of the European Running Championships in Leuven, which contributed to its immediate large scale.