Keep Fit - Run the Brussels Marathon
Fitness, fun, and festivals in vibrant BrusselsEach year, the Brussels Marathon includes a half marathon (21km), a mini marathon (3km) and a children's run (1km) and is the ideal way for competitors to discover Brussels. With regular flights from Leeds-Bradford to Brussels with BMI Airlines, runners will keep fit while at the same time see the city's avenues, parks and boulevards. Starting at 9am on the Esplanade du Cinquantenaire, the run can be arduous but takes competitors though Brussels' Watermaal-Bosvoorde, Oudergem, Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, Tervuren and Etterbeek districts, finishing in the Grand Place. As well as the marathon, the city annually hosts the Diamond League Series where the world's leading athletes compete in 32 individual events to win the 'Diamond Race'.
Brussels is a culturally varied city and has everything the visitor needs with events and festivals happening throughout the year. Since 1549, the city has hosted the Ommegang, a major folklore event where local craftsmen parade in traditional costumes while around the city jousting displays are held.
During the summer, Brussels hosts its Summer Festival. Parks, squares and grand buildings offer a variety of concerts and music from hip-hop, reggae, folk and electronic music. There are more than 150 concerts, street activities, theatre events, and children's shows, the majority of them free.
This two-day event includes concerts, markets, brass bands and wine tasting, but the highlight is the Waiters' Race. Professional waiters, balancing a tray of drinks, have to make a dash for the winning line, and it draws huge crowds.
Whatever time of year you visit Brussels, there will be something to appeal to all tastes.
