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Antwerp 10 Miles 2027: Everything You Need To Know
The Antwerp 10 Miles is Belgium’s biggest running event, bringing tens of thousands of runners onto the streets of Antwerp for a race that feels more like a citywide celebration. Its unusual course includes two road tunnels, famous city landmarks and enormous crowd support.
The headline race covers 10 miles, equivalent to approximately 16.1 kilometres. It begins and finishes on Antwerp’s Left Bank, known locally as Linkeroever, while taking runners beneath the River Scheldt and through the centre of the city.
If you want a major European event with a distinctive course and outstanding atmosphere, Antwerp deserves serious consideration. Here is everything you need to know about the Antwerp 10 Miles 2027.
The Destination
Antwerp is Belgium’s second largest city and one of Europe’s most important ports. It sits beside the River Scheldt and combines a historic centre with modern architecture, fashionable shopping districts and a strong artistic heritage.
The Grote Markt is at the heart of the old city, surrounded by elaborate guildhalls and dominated by Antwerp City Hall. Nearby attractions include the Cathedral of Our Lady, the riverside Het Steen fortress and the cobbled streets around the historic centre.
Antwerp is closely associated with the artist Peter Paul Rubens, whose former home is one of the city’s best known cultural attractions. It is also an international centre for diamonds and fashion, giving visitors plenty to explore beyond its traditional landmarks.
The city is easy to reach by train from Brussels, while direct rail services also connect Antwerp with several other European destinations. Antwerp Central Station is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most impressive railway stations and provides a memorable arrival point for international runners.
History Of The Antwerp 10 Miles
The first Antwerp 10 Miles took place in 1986. The event has grown from a relatively modest city race into the largest running celebration in Belgium.
Its identity has always been closely connected to Antwerp’s geography. The River Scheldt divides the Left Bank from the historic centre, making the city’s tunnels an essential part of the route.
The Kennedy Tunnel and Waasland Tunnel allow runners to pass beneath the river during different stages of the race. Roads that are normally filled with traffic become part of a huge running course for the day.
The 2026 event celebrated the 40th edition of the Antwerp 10 Miles. Around 40,000 runners participated across the weekend, including approximately 31,000 in the headline race, demonstrating how significantly the event has grown.
Who Organises The Antwerp 10 Miles?
The Antwerp 10 Miles is organised by Golazo Sports in cooperation with the City of Antwerp, local authorities, emergency services, volunteers and commercial partners.
Golazo organises a wide range of mass participation events in Belgium and elsewhere in Europe. Delivering the Antwerp 10 Miles requires extensive transport planning because major roads and two important traffic tunnels form part of the course.
When Is The Antwerp 10 Miles 2027?
The event traditionally takes place during April, with the main 10 mile race held on Sunday.
The 2026 weekend took place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April. The shorter races were held on Saturday, followed by the headline Antwerp 10 Miles on Sunday.
Runners should wait for the official 2027 announcement before booking travel or accommodation that cannot be changed. The programme, registration opening and starting times will be published closer to the event.
April conditions in Antwerp can vary considerably. Runners could experience cool and comfortable weather, rain and wind or a surprisingly warm spring day, so it is sensible to prepare for several possibilities.
Antwerp 10 Miles Race Numbers
During the 2026 event, runners could collect their race numbers from the event site on both Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday collection was available from 8:00am until 2:00pm, although runners still needed to leave enough time to reach their allocated starting wave. Collecting earlier in the weekend could reduce stress on race morning.
The Antwerp 10 Miles does not operate like a large international marathon expo with several days of exhibitions and compulsory activities. Race number collection forms part of the event arrangements on Linkeroever.
The 2027 location, opening hours and identification requirements must still be confirmed. International runners should check the final participant information carefully rather than assuming the previous arrangements will remain unchanged.
Race Morning
The Antwerp 10 Miles starts and finishes on Linkeroever, the Left Bank of the River Scheldt. This becomes the main event area, containing the start waves, finish, baggage facilities and other runner services.
Public transport is usually the most practical way to reach the event. Road closures, parking restrictions and the enormous number of participants make driving into the immediate area difficult.
For 2026, the race used ten starting waves beginning at 10:30am. Further groups were released throughout the day, with the final wave scheduled to start at 2:00pm.
Wave allocation helps manage the huge field and reduces congestion inside the tunnels.
Runners need to check their allocated time carefully and allow enough time for security, toilets, baggage and movement through the event site.
This is not a race where you should arrive a few minutes before your start. Linkeroever becomes extremely busy, and reaching the correct wave can take considerably longer than expected.
The precise arrangements may change for 2027. The final event instructions should always take priority, particularly when they explain transport, baggage, prohibited items and access to the starting areas.
Antwerp 10 Miles Course
The Antwerp 10 Miles follows a point to point style loop that starts and finishes on Linkeroever. It crosses beneath the River Scheldt twice, using the Kennedy Tunnel during the opening section and the Waasland Tunnel towards the end.
The course is relatively flat outside the tunnels, but both crossings involve noticeable descents and climbs. The scale of the event can also make maintaining a perfectly even pace difficult.
The precise 2027 route has not yet been published. The course used for the 2026 anniversary edition provides the best indication of what runners can expect, although individual streets and landmarks may change.
The Start On Linkeroever
The race begins on Linkeroever, where thousands of runners gather in separate waves. The wide starting area helps organise the field, but the atmosphere is intense because large groups continue to assemble throughout the day. Runners should avoid being pulled into an unsustainable pace by the excitement of the start. The first major challenge arrives quickly, and there is still a long way to run after leaving the opening tunnel.
Through The Kennedy Tunnel
One of the first major features is the Kennedy Tunnel, which carries the course beneath the River Scheldt. This is normally an important road connection rather than somewhere accessible to runners. The descent can feel fast, particularly when surrounded by thousands of other participants. It is easy to gain speed without realising how much additional effort will be required on the opposite side. The climb out of the tunnel is one of the most demanding parts of the course. It arrives early enough for runners to recover, but attacking it too aggressively can make the middle miles unnecessarily difficult.
Zuidpark And Central Antwerp
After emerging from the Kennedy Tunnel, runners continue towards the southern and central areas of Antwerp. The course passes through or close to Zuidpark, formerly known as the Zuiderdokken. This section introduces runners to the city after the enclosed atmosphere of the tunnel. The roads become increasingly busy with supporters, entertainment and people moving between different viewing locations. The terrain is generally more forgiving than the tunnel crossing, giving runners an opportunity to settle into their intended pace. Those chasing a particular time should concentrate on running efficiently rather than attempting to recover every second lost on the climb.
Kloosterstraat, The Scheldt And MAS
The course continues through some of Antwerp’s most recognisable areas. Kloosterstraat is known for its galleries, antique shops and independent businesses, while the nearby riverside creates a stronger sense of the city’s relationship with the Scheldt. Runners then move towards central Antwerp and landmarks including the Museum aan de Stroom, widely known as MAS. Its distinctive red sandstone and glass design makes it one of the most recognisable modern buildings in the city. This part of the race provides a combination of city views and crowd support. The streets can be busy, so runners should remain aware of those around them when approaching corners, drinks stations and narrower sections.
Through The Waasland Tunnel
The Waasland Tunnel provides the second underground crossing and one of the defining experiences of the race. It takes runners beneath the River Scheldt and back towards Linkeroever. The long descent allows the pace to increase, but runners should remember that the climb out comes during the closing stages. The tunnel can feel warm, enclosed and noisy when filled with thousands of participants. This is where sensible early pacing becomes particularly important. Runners who used too much energy in the Kennedy Tunnel or through central Antwerp may find the Waasland Tunnel climb considerably harder than expected.
The Finish On Linkeroever
After emerging from the Waasland Tunnel, runners return to Linkeroever for the final section. The knowledge that the finish is approaching helps, but there is still enough distance remaining for tired legs to become a problem. Crowd support builds as runners move towards the finish, creating a suitably noisy conclusion to the 10 miles. The enormous number of participants means the area remains busy throughout the day. Friends and family should agree on a meeting point in advance. Mobile networks can become congested, and trying to locate someone immediately beside the finish may be difficult.
How Difficult Is The Antwerp 10 Miles?
The Antwerp 10 Miles is more challenging than its overall elevation figures might suggest. Most of the course is relatively flat, but the Kennedy and Waasland tunnels introduce four significant changes in elevation.
The opening Kennedy Tunnel can encourage runners to start too quickly on the descent before working harder than planned on the climb. The Waasland Tunnel becomes more demanding because it arrives when fatigue is already building.
The size of the field presents another challenge. Congestion, changing pace and crowded corners can make it difficult to establish a completely uninterrupted rhythm.
For most runners, controlled pacing will be more important than the total amount of climbing. Treat both tunnel descents with caution, maintain a steady effort on the climbs and save enough energy for the final return to Linkeroever.
What Makes The Antwerp 10 Miles Special?
The tunnels are the clearest point of difference. Few running events allow participants to use major road tunnels to cross beneath a wide river twice during the same race.
The scale of the event also creates an exceptional atmosphere. Antwerp’s streets are filled with spectators, music and entertainment, while different starting waves keep the celebration going for much of the day.
The course feels like a genuine journey through the city. Runners experience Linkeroever, two underground crossings, central Antwerp, riverside areas and major landmarks rather than completing a simple loop around one district.
The 10 mile distance adds another attraction. It is long enough to demand serious training but remains more accessible than a half marathon or marathon for many recreational runners.
Is The Antwerp 10 Miles A Fast Course?
The Antwerp 10 Miles can produce fast times, but it is not a completely flat personal best course. The descents allow runners to gain speed, while most sections between the tunnels provide an opportunity to maintain a consistent pace.
The tunnel climbs can interrupt that rhythm. Trying to maintain the same pace uphill may use too much energy, particularly during the later Waasland Tunnel crossing.
Congestion is likely to be a bigger obstacle than the overall elevation for many runners. Starting in an appropriate wave will improve your chances of running freely, but some crowding is inevitable during an event of this size.
A personal best is certainly possible with sensible pacing and favourable weather. The course rewards runners who manage their effort rather than those who attack the opening descent.
Is The Antwerp 10 Miles Good For First Time Runners?
The Antwerp 10 Miles can be an excellent first race over the distance. The atmosphere, support and large recreational field help make the event feel welcoming despite its enormous scale.
Ten miles represents a meaningful step beyond 10 kilometres without requiring the same training commitment as a half marathon. Anyone entering should still build their distance gradually and prepare specifically for sustained running over approximately 16.1 kilometres.
First time runners need to understand the practical arrangements as well as the course. Starting waves, public transport, baggage facilities and a crowded event village can feel overwhelming without advance planning.
Training should include some hills or steady incline running, even though Antwerp is not generally considered a hilly course. This will make both tunnel climbs feel more manageable on race day.
Antwerp 5 Miles And Kids Mile
The Antwerp 10 Miles weekend includes shorter events designed to make the celebration accessible to more runners and families.
The Baloise Antwerp 5 Miles was introduced for the 2026 anniversary weekend. Its course was based on Linkeroever and provided a shorter alternative for runners who did not want to take on the full 10 miles.
The Persil Kids Mile gives younger participants an opportunity to experience the event atmosphere over an age appropriate distance. Both shorter events were held on Saturday before the main race on Sunday.
The organiser has not yet confirmed the complete 2027 programme. Anyone interested in the 5 Miles or Kids Mile should wait for the new event information before making plans.
Running The Antwerp 10 Miles For Charity
The Antwerp 10 Miles provides an excellent platform for charity fundraising. Its unusual tunnels, enormous field and recognisable city course give supporters plenty of reasons to follow a runner’s preparation.
If you are fundraising, explain why the charity matters to you and what completing 10 miles will represent. Regular training updates can bring supporters into the journey rather than limiting your fundraising to race week.
Think Pink, Belgium’s national breast cancer organisation, has been an official charity partner of the event. The 2027 charity partnership and any fundraising arrangements still need to be confirmed.
International runners can also use their own entry to support a charity of their choice. You do not need an official charity place to turn the Antwerp 10 Miles into a meaningful fundraising challenge.
How To Enter The Antwerp 10 Miles 2027
Registration arrangements and entry prices for the Antwerp 10 Miles 2027 have not yet been announced. The organiser is expected to publish more information once the date and programme have been finalised.
Demand is extremely high. The headline 10 mile race has sold out in recent editions, so runners should not assume that entries will remain available indefinitely.
If Antwerp is one of your priority events, follow the official announcements and be prepared to register when entries open. Confirm exactly what is included in the entry fee and whether additional products need to be selected during registration.
Only use the official registration platform or an approved transfer system. Buying an unofficial race number could create problems with participant details, insurance, emergency information or starting wave allocation.
Our Verdict
The Antwerp 10 Miles offers one of the most distinctive race experiences in Europe. Its two tunnels, huge crowds and journey through central Antwerp make it far more memorable than a conventional 10 mile road race.
It is not a completely straightforward course. The tunnel climbs require disciplined pacing, while the enormous field means runners need to plan their start wave, transport and arrival carefully.
Those challenges are also part of the attraction. Running beneath the River Scheldt twice and emerging into streets filled with supporters gives the event an identity that few other races can match.
If you secure a place, the Antwerp 10 Miles 2027 should provide an outstanding weekend. It combines a serious running challenge with the scale, excitement and atmosphere of a major international event.
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