Discover Benelux | Calendar | Marathon in Luxembourg
A running celebration TEXT: NDÉLA FAYE | PHOTOS: NORBERT WILHELMY
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of a host for a unique running event. Organised since 2006, the ING Night Marathon Luxembourg is one of the most exciting events of the year, with the city’s streets turning into a big festival filled with sports and music. Erich François, CEO and founder of the ING Night Marathon Luxembourg is delighted at the event’s success. “Luxembourg was the only European city to not have a marathon, so I knew I had to organise one, and I wanted to make it very special,” he says. During the ING Night Marathon, runners have the option to partake in a marathon, half marathon, team runs, a five-kilometre run, as well as a children’s run. “The marathon pulls in 15,000 runners each year, and tickets sell out quickly. We strongly believe in offering quality over quantity, and therefore limit attendee numbers to allow the best experience for our runners,” François explains. From the old town’s narrow streets and 84 | Issue 38 | February 2017
alleyways, to the lively Place Guillaume II, the whole city gears up for the big event at dusk. But the ING Night Marathon Luxembourg is about more than just running. The event is organised during a long weekend, and the marathon coincides with other cultural events, such as the yearly Samba festival that brings over 500 musicians to perform in the heart of the city. The party atmosphere spills onto the streets and allows spectators to watch the runners speeding past, while enjoying music and good food. Adding to the individuality of the event is, of course, the fact that the race does not start until 7pm. The marathon route runs through the historic town centre with its steep sandstone rocks, the financial centre into small, picturesque villages, with handmade lanterns lighting the way in parts. “Despite its small size, Luxembourg is small and exquisite, with a pinch of extravagance,” says François. “Our aim is to forge links with the different parts of town, between sports and culture – and the more than 100 nationalities that live here.
The finish line is in the Luxexpo exhibition centre, where the celebrations continue late into the night,” François concludes. www.ing-night-marathon.lu