Anita Great Half Mechelen 2026
May 31, 2026
Anita Great Half Mechelen: where nature, the city, and speed come together. ⚡
What?
SOLD OUT – Registration is no longer possible. There is also no waiting list.
- Look up a bib number: Search here
- After the transfer, it takes 2 business days for the number to appear online under the new name. The jersey number does not change when the name is changed.
- Race Briefing ( NL / ENG)
- Route and fan zones: view here
- Photos courtesy of Sportshots: view here
- GPX: view here
Anita Great Half Mechelen is the new athletic challenge for runners who love variety, an unforgettable experience, and a great atmosphere. This half marathon takes you on a unique, officially certified 21-kilometer course through Mechelen and its green suburbs. The course is very flat and fast, making it ideal for breaking your personal records.
Along the way, you will experience the best of both worlds: peaceful nature, charming village centers, and the lively splendor of Mechelen's city center. Whether you are a seasoned runner or running your first half marathon, this course offers challenge, speed, and satisfaction.
At the finish line on IJzerenleen, the lively city center of Mechelen awaits, brimming with restaurants and cafés where you can celebrate your achievements with supporters and fellow runners.
Anita Great Half Mechelen: where nature, the city, and speed come together. 🌿🏰⚡
Details.
When?
Hour
10:00 a.m.: Start of the Anita Great Half Mechelen
3:30 p.m.: Finish area closes
4:30 p.m.: Baggage drop closes
Where?
How far?
Registration is open until?
What do I get for this?
Insurance
First aid
Refreshments and entertainment
Electronic timekeeping (with split times)
Goodie bag
Secure storage for sports bags
Atmosphere images and aftermovie
Podium prizes
Terms and Conditions?
Share this event!
Course
- Officially measured.
- A flat and therefore very fast course in, around, and through Mechelen.
- Points of interest along the route.
- GPX: Click here.
Explore the route: click here.
Fan points: click here.
Program
Race bibs can be picked up starting May 5 at
Runners’ lab Rumst during opening hours:
OOn the day of the event: from 7:30 a.m.
- Playground Technical Schools.
- 13/14 Onder-Den-Toren, 2800 Mechelen
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
- 7:30 a.m.: Welcome
- 10:00 a.m.: Start of the Anita Great Half Mechelen
- 1:30 p.m.: Finish area closes
- 3:30 p.m.: Baggage drop closes
Frequently Asked Questions
Cupless: No.
Time limit: 3 hours
Dogs welcome to walk along: No .
Strollers allowed: No.
Food & Drinks: In the bustling city center, there are plenty of cozy restaurants and cafés where you can relax and enjoy yourselves together!
Bag drop: Bag drop and bib number collection
- Playground Technical Schools Mechelen: Onder-Den-Toren 13/14, 2800 Mechelen.
- Walking distance from start/finish zone.
- From 7:30 a.m.
Showers and changing rooms: No.
Podium prizes: Powered by Runners’ Lab, De Gouden Kooi, Anita
Sports insurance: Yes. Read here.
Pacers
The following pacers are ready to guide you to your new record time on the 21K:
1:30 – 1:40 – 1:50 – 2:00 – 2:10
You can spot them by the pacing flags in the starting area.
In collaboration with the Nike Pacing Team.
Participation fee
This event is sold out. Same-day registrations are also not possible at the event itself.
There is NO waiting list. Your bib number is your ticket. You can view this on your Keep on Running profile.
Reselling with a personalized bib number was allowed until April 25, 2026. After that date, your name will still appear correctly in the results online, but it will no longer be on the bib number.
Reselling tickets without a personalized bib number is permitted until 8:00 PM on April 29, 2026. You cannot change your start wave if you resell a ticket.
If you cancel through our website, you can receive a 75% refund of the registration fee up to 21 days before the event. That is, until May 10, 2026.
First location: ‘Buy & sell tickets for running and walking events Facebook Group > Buy and Sell.
Always sell your ticket via the secure environment of www.keeponrunning.be and NOT to strangers via social media. Keep on Running is not responsible for ticket sales outside of the secure platform.
View here How to easily transfer your ticket.Accessibility
Plan your trip to Mechelen | Mechelen
Car:
Mechelen city center is largely car-free. No motorized traffic is permitted between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
All information: Car | Mechelen
Parking:
The closest parking lots to the bag drop/bib pickup are:
Cathedral Parking
- 📍 Address: Sint-Romboutskerkhof 6, 2800 Mechelen
- ⏱️ Distance: Approximately 5 minutes on foot
Q-Park Lamot
- 📍 Address: Guldenstraat 18, 2800 Mechelen
- ⏱️ Distance: Approximately 10 minutes on foot
- The Lamot and Hoogstraat parking lot will be closed to vehicles on May 31 between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Parking at the Grand Market
- 📍 Address: Grote Markt, 2800 Mechelen
- ⏱️ Distance: Approximately 10 minutes on foot
All information: Parking | Mechelen
You can also park at the park-and-ride lots, which are within walking distance of the city.
Public transportation
Thanks to its central location, Mechelen is easily accessible by train from almost all Belgian and European cities. From Brussels, Leuven, and Antwerp, you can reach the city in 20 minutes. Mechelen has two stations: Mechelen station and Mechelen-Nekkerspoel station.
Both stations are within walking distance of the city center. From Mechelen, it is about a 15-minute walk to the Grote Markt, while from Mechelen-Nekkerspoel it takes barely 10 minutes.
All information: Public transportation and taxis | Mechelen
Mechelen is perfect for short bus trips.
All information: By bus – Visit Mechelen or the De Lijn app
By bicycle
Mechelen is very conveniently and centrally located, also for cyclists. The city lies along various waterways with their many cycle paths.
All information: By bike – Visit Mechelen
Information for residents.
Read the letter to residents here.
Powered by Runners' lab
With eight branches—nine from February 2026—specialist running store Runners' Lab is well represented in Flanders. This is necessary to keep the whole of Flanders injury-free with scientifically based (shoe) advice.
However, Runners' Lab's mission is broader than that. In its 45 years of existence, its primary goal has been to motivate and inspire runners and walkers alike. As a partner of this new half marathon in Mechelen, it is getting 3,000 runners moving and truly living up to this ambition.
Are you still looking for the right running shoes and/or outfit to ensure you are well equipped and confident at the starting line? Then be sure to visit the largest running specialty store in our country.
Still looking for the perfect gear? Check!
Discover here Get all the tips and gear you need for your Great Half and hit the starting line with confidence!
Shake out
Shake Out Mechelen x Runner’s High Collective
Ready to go?
The day before the event, we’re organizing a 4-kilometerShake Out Run and Carb Loadin collaboration with Runner’s High Collective.
You can register for the Shake Out Run using this form.
- Date of the Shake Out Run: May 30, 2026
- Check-in: 5:00 PM / Race start: 5:30 PM
- Location: Technical Schools Playground
- Carb load after the run: you can grab a delicious pasta dish from the Pasta Per Tutti food truck after the Shake Out
- Nike test shoes will be available starting at 4 p.m.!
- Race bib pickup available between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
- Technical Schools Playground. Onder-Den-Toren 13/14, 2800 Mechelen
Supplies
Our aid stations are always stocked with the following items: water, isotonic sports drinks, energy gels, winegums, banana slices, and salty crackers.
- 5K: 1 aid station
- 10K: 1 aid station
- 14K: 1 supply point
- 18K: 1 supply point
The aid stations use cups, so you don't need to bring your own reusable cup or soft flask.
There is a clearly marked area 100 meters before and after each aid station where you can dispose of your trash. Our volunteers will clean up that area.
! We strongly ask that you leave your cups and trash only there, and not elsewhere along the course. Together with the City of Mechelen, we are committed to making this event as clean as possible. Plastic containers and trash do not belong in nature.
Discover the Great Half Series
This race is part of the Great Half Series: a unique series of half marathons focused on speed, quality, and the overall experience.
Every event has its own unique character, but they all share the same goal: to offer you the best possible racing experience on a fast, officially measured course.
Run multiple races and take on the unique Great Half Challenge:
- Will you run all three events in 2026? If so, you’ll receive a unique Runners’ Lab reward (surprise, surprise…😉)
- Will you complete the entire series within 3 years? If so, you’ll earn an exclusive Great Half Series medal! 🏅
👉 Good news: In 2027, the series will expand to at least 5 races!
Are you up for the challenge?
Discover the full Great Half Series here!
Take off your race number
You can pick up your race number in advance at Runners’ Lab Rumst during the store’s business hours. This way, you’ll avoid lines at the event and be all set for the start of the Anita Great Half Mechelen.
Daily registrations are not possible!
Tickets = race bib. Wedo not use tickets sent via email or QR codes. You will receive a race briefing three weeks before the event, which will include your race bib number and all practical information. You can check your registration in your Keep on Running profile.
Race bibs can be picked up starting May 5 at
Runners’ lab Rumst during opening hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
OOn the day of the event: from 7:30 a.m.
- Playground Technical Schools.
- 13/14 Onder-Den-Toren, 2800 Mechelen
SPECIAL OFFER /When you pick up your race bib at the store, take advantage of an exclusive in-store promotion:
- 20% off an Anita sports bra
- 10% off sports nutrition
Please note! This promotion is only valid for participants in the Anita Great Half Mechelen and must be redeemed when picking up your race bib at Runners’ Lab Rumst, through May 30, 2026.
Would you like some advice on choosing the perfect sports bra? Book your appointment for a personalized fitting here!
Unfortunately, this edition is sold out.
Registration is open until
May 29, 2026
Unfortunately, this event is sold out.
Personal Coaching.
Prepare for your running challenge.
Would you like to keep running injury-free and enjoy this fantastic sport while preparing yourself optimally for an upcoming running challenge? Then our brand-new coaching package might be just the thing for you!
Coaching package
completely tailored to your needs.-
1 lactate test + intake interview
-
3 months of fully personalized training plans
-
Ongoing coaching (remote) with weekly adjustments to the schedule
-
2 live workshops (including guided training)
-
Use TrainingPeaks
-
Drawing up a personal competition plan
Partners.
Photos.
Photos Sportshots.
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