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Marathons Are More Popular Than Ever: "Running Is a Trend"

Marathons have never been as popular as they are today. A record number of runners took part in the marathons in Antwerp and Amsterdam, highlighting a clear trend in the running world, according to experts.

Today, 19,000 runners gathered at the start of the Antwerp Marathon. Of those, 12,000 participated in the half marathon, 2,000 tackled the 10-kilometer race, and an impressive 5,000 people ran the full 42 kilometers. What was once a niche sport for elite athletes has now evolved into a mini-festival that attracts a broad audience. "These numbers are unprecedented," says Jeroen Scheerder, Professor of Sports Sociology at KU Leuven. “Next year, the organizers expect close to 10,000 people to run from Brussels to Leuven. For decades, we barely reached 1,000 participants. It’s almost a tenfold increase." The Amsterdam Marathon also broke records, with 22,500 runners crossing the finish line.

The event organizers credit the massive success to the running trend. "We’re seeing a global boom in marathon popularity, and Antwerp is no exception," says Greg Broekmans of the Antwerp Marathon.

"I believe people see it as a great challenge, and the growing focus on health plays a major role. We're eating healthier, living better, and exercise is a big part of that."

A Small Festival Atmosphere

According to Professor Scheerder, fun and experience are central to marathon events. “This is evident in the course layout. Last year, participants ran one large loop. This year, they ran a smaller circuit twice, making it more engaging for spectators. Where there used to be hardly anyone watching, now there’s a huge crowd cheering from the sidelines.” Music and the festive atmosphere play a significant role as well, says movement psychologist Cedric Arijs. “Marathons are increasingly taking on the feel of festivals. There’s often a marketing element behind it, with fun booths and activities. It makes people want to be part of the experience."

The Strava Effect

“On the other hand, technology also plays a part. Think of smartwatches and easily accessible online running plans that make training a bit easier.”

Slow and Steady

“In a time where people are busier than ever, they’re gravitating towards a sport that requires a lot of time,” Professor Scheerder observes. “Some participants take up to six hours to complete a marathon, and that’s becoming a trend. We’re seeing the rise of slow marathons, where the goal isn’t necessarily to run fast. Participants think: regardless of my time, I just want to finish. It’s less about competition and more about ticking off a bucket list item—a kind of personal badge of honor. This draws a more diverse group of participants."

In the past, people traveled abroad to run marathons, such as the iconic New York Marathon. “We still do that, but now you can also run one close to home. Studies show that around 8 out of 10 participants come from the same country as the marathon. This lowers the barrier for first-time runners.”

Marathons are no longer just races; they’ve become cultural events, reflecting the growing movement towards health, community, and personal achievement. Whether you're in the heart of the city or at a local event, it’s clear: running is here to stay.

Sources: Het Nieuwsblad, VRT News