Great Breweries Marathon 2025

• Brewery Highlights: Route includes Duvel Moortgat, Bosteels, and Palm & De Hoorn breweries with tastings.
• Scenic Experience: Enjoy a picturesque journey through Antwerp, East Flanders, and Flemish Brabant.
• Distance Options: Choose from 17 km, 25 km, or the full 42.195 km marathon.
• Central Location: Start and finish at Duvel Moortgat Brewery, Puurs.
• Participant Perks: Includes a finisher medal, T-shirt, timing chip, and beer package.

The Great Breweries Marathon offers an exciting blend of athletic challenge and cultural indulgence, making it a standout event in the marathon calendar. Nestled in the picturesque region of Flanders, Belgium, this marathon leads runners on a scenic journey connecting three renowned breweries: Duvel Moortgat, Bosteels, and Palm & De Hoorn. Starting and concluding at the iconic Duvel Moortgat Brewery in Puurs, participants are treated to a route that weaves through lush Flemish landscapes and quiet countryside roads.

What sets this marathon apart is its celebration of Belgium’s famed beer heritage. Upon crossing the finish line, runners are welcomed with beer tastings, where they can savor some of the finest brews Belgium has to offer. All finishers receive a delightful beer basket featuring selections from Duvel Moortgat, Brouwerijen Palm, De Hoorn & Rodenbach, and Bosteels Brewery, adding a festive conclusion to the race.

Experienced ultra-runners, including the esteemed Marnix Callewaert, act as pacers to guide participants towards achieving their race goals, while strategically placed refreshment stations every 5 km provide water, isotonic drinks, and bananas to keep runners fueled and hydrated. The marathon has a six-hour time limit to ensure safety and accommodate all paces, with clear instructions and support throughout the course.

Runners can anticipate a smooth registration and logistics process, with options for personalized race numbers for early registrants, and amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and secure bag storage at the race start. Whether you're an athlete seeking a unique marathon experience or a beer enthusiast looking for an adventurous blend of running and brewing culture, the Great Breweries Marathon offers an unforgettable experience.

Expect temperatures ranging from 46-64°F (8-18°C) with moderate humidity for the Great Breweries Marathon in early May. Occasional light rain showers are common, but heavy downpours are rare. Enjoy around 7 hours of sunshine, making for pleasant running conditions despite the potential for cooler mornings.

The Great Breweries Marathon is a captivating 42.195 km journey through Belgium's brewing heartland, promising an unforgettable experience for runners. The course weaves through the picturesque Belgian countryside, showcasing breathtaking rural vistas. With its flat, minimal elevation terrain, it welcomes runners of all skill levels, offering a straightforward yet scenic challenge.

Starting at the renowned Duvel Moortgat Brewery in Puurs, the marathon connects iconic breweries like Bosteels and Palm, guiding participants through three provinces filled with stunning landscapes. Unique degustation points along the course offer runners the chance to savor beers from these celebrated breweries, infusing the event with a festive and cultural flair.

The Great Breweries Marathon stands out by blending athleticism with Belgium's rich brewing tradition. At the finish line, participants are treated to tastings and celebrations, and each receives a beer pack featuring selections from the participating breweries. While the course is generally easy, the allure of beer tastings and the lively atmosphere may challenge runners to maintain focus and endurance, adding an intriguing layer to this exceptional event.

Visiting Puurs in the Antwerp Province of Belgium during the Great Breweries Marathon presents a delightful mix of athletic challenge and cultural exploration. Beyond the event itself, the region invites travelers to delve into its rich beer heritage and scenic beauty.

Start your journey by exploring the local breweries like Duvel Moortgat and Bosteels, where you can immerse yourself in the art of Belgian beer-making. For a more leisurely experience, consider a steam train ride on the Dendermonde-Puurs line, offering charming views of the countryside. The area is also perfect for hiking and cycling, with routes along the picturesque Scheldt and Rupel rivers.

Cultural enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Emile Verhaeren Museum, which offers insights into the life and works of the celebrated poet. Additionally, the Ronquières Inclined Plane is a must-see engineering marvel. As you explore, savor traditional Belgian cuisine and sample a variety of local beers. To fully enjoy your stay, consider local accommodations in Puurs-Sint-Amands and use the convenient public transportation network for easy access to all the attractions. With its blend of sport, history, and natural beauty, Puurs promises a memorable visit.