The 45th edition of Brussels’ 20km race set a new participation record with 48,928 people crossing the finish line at the Cinquantenaire Park.
Runners, walkers, and para-athletes covered a 20-kilometre route through some of the most scenic streets of the capital, starting under slightly overcast skies that cleared as the morning progressed. Thousands of supporters were lining the streets, cheering runners on.
The Red Cross was heavily involved, with 600 volunteers assisting 465 participants, mostly for minor ailments, and reported 23 hospital evacuations. No major incidents occurred.
Participants expressed joy upon finishing. “I’m super happy, I beat my record,” Filip, one of the runners said after the the race. “We ran with friends and had a blast, it’s great,” another runner, Caroline, shared.
Belgium’s Queen Mathilde was also among the runners, having previously participated in 2021 and 2024.
Queen Mathilde runs her 3rd Brussels 20 km
In the men’s category, the winner was Patrick Nimubona from Burundi, clocking in on 59 minutes and 26 seconds, followed by Belgian Amaury Paquet (1:00:03). In third place Lin Ndayifukamiye also from Burundi (1:00:20).
Both Burundian athletes are currently housed by Samusocial in its Laeken centre as they await decisions on their asylum applications and participated in the race independently.
In the women’s competition, British runner Naomi Taschimowitz claimed victory (1:09:28), ahead of Belgians Amélie Bihain and Mélanie Bovy. In the para-sport category, Tim Vanlathem secured the win.
Organisers have already announced that the 46th edition will take place on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
