Brussels Marathon attracts record number of runners
A record number of running enthusiasts were put through their paces in events of varying lengths in Brussels.
A half-marathon, a comparatively easy 7K and of course the full 42.2-kilometre variant drew a good 18,500 of the finest, fittest, fastest runners to Brussels in an epic face-off for medals, personal bests and glory.
The 19th edition of this clash of titans started in the beating heart of the city, guiding the athletes to various parks in the northern parts of the city by way of the Annie Cordy tunnel, only to circle back around through Schaerbeek and Etterbeek with a finish befitting of kings and queens: the Royal palace.
Congratulations to Belgians Sam Gabriëls and Benoît Haegeman for finishing second and third respectively in the marathon. The half marathon, meanwhile, was won by Liègeian Amaury Paquet, and the first lady to finish was the Namur-born Valentine Mathy.
Well done to all runners who showed up on Sunday and gave it their all.