Balloonloop 2026
September 6, 2026
Walk through the streets of the city of Sint-Niklaas during the Peace Festivities
What?
Details.
When?
Hour
2:00 PM 5 km
3:00 PM 10 km
4:00 PM Awards Ceremony
Where?
How far?
Registration is open until?
What do I get for this?
Refreshments (5 km & 10 km)
Free storage for sports bags
Electronic timekeeping
Sports accident insurance
Changing rooms
Entertainment
Medal for each distance
Podium prizes for the 5 km and 10 km
Podium prizes for the largest group
Same-day registration possible!!
Terms and Conditions?
Share this event!
New course!
New course!
This year, we’ll start at the renovated Grote Markt. The finish line is on Parklaan.
- New GPX route: coming soon
- New! Starting area for fast runners.
- 5 km > 18 min
- 10 km > 40 min
- Via the registration form
- Limited availability
Supply
- KidsRun 1 km: Caprisun at the finish line
- 5 km: 1 aid station + a Vitamin Well at the finish line
- 10 km: 2 aid stations at the 3.5 km mark + a Vitamin Well at the finish line
Supporters
Want to cheer them on? Great! After the start at the Grote Markt, head to the Runners’lab Cheering Zone in the Stadspark. Once your favorite runner has passed by, you can cut across to Parklaan to watch them cross the finish line there.
Program
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2026
- 11:00 a.m.: Opening ceremony at Romain De Vidts Park
- 1:00 PM: Meet-up for the Kids Run and warm-up
- 1:15 PM: KidsRun 1 km
- 1:45 PM: Meet-up and warm-up for the 5K (Grote Markt)
- 2:00 PM: Start of the 5K race
- 2:45 PM: Meet-up and warm-up for the 10K (Grote Markt)
- 3:00 PM: Startof the 10K race
- 4:00 p.m.: Stage ceremony at Romain De Vidts Park
We have a new ambassador this year! More to come soon.
Practical information
Read the race briefing for all the details startingAugust 21, 2026
Look up your bib number startingAugust 21, 2026
Registrations
- Personalized bib numbers can be requested until: August 20 at 12:00 a.m.
- Group registrations are accepted until: August 20 at 12:00 a.m.
- Same-day registration is available. Come to Romain De Vidtspark on Saturday or Sunday and purchase your race entry.
- Registration transfers/resales are permitted until: September 5 at 8:00 p.m. View here hhow to easily transfer your ticket. Or read the step-by-step guide here
Pick up race bibs starting August 31:
- Runners' Lab Zwijndrecht during opening hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM–7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
-
- Saturday, September 5: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 6: Starting at 11 a.m. until 15 minutes before the start
Start
The new Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas is emerging as a wonderful new starting point for the Balloon Run.
Finish & Podium
The finish line is located on Parklaan. Parklaan is accessible only on foot. The podium ceremony will take place on the main stage in Romain de Vidtspark.
Medal
For all Keep on Running events, we provide a beautiful medal that perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the event. Participants in the Kids Run also receive a beautiful medal and a Caprisun. All participants in the 5 km and 10 km races also receive a Vitamin Well water and a FULFIL protein bar at the finish line.
The design of the Ballonloop 2026 T-shirt is inspired by the medal.
Places to eat and drink
A great atmosphere and fun are guaranteed! The Balloon Run is part of the annual Peace Festivities, which means the city center is buzzing with activity. Runners and supporters can enjoy a wide range of food and drink options, as well as various activities and performances.
All information and programming can be found at: Home | Peace Festivals
Luggage
A secure tent for luggage is provided at the bib number collection point. It is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Romain De Vidts Park, near the statue of Reynaert De Vos.
Changing rooms, showers, and sanitary facilities
From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the changing rooms and showers at De Witte Molen Sports Center (Azalealaan) are open. Please do NOT leave any personal belongings here, as this location is not monitored.
Accessibility
All information about accessibility to the Balloon Run and Peace Festivals can be found here: Getting there | Peace Festivals
- Bicycle: Several additional bicycle parking facilities are available on site. You can find them on Parklaan, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwplein, Stationsplein, Castrohof, Sint-Nicolaasplein, and Houtbriel.
- Car: view real-time parking information here: Car | Peace Festivals. Be sure to arrive well in advance, as you may have to walk a short distance.
Free parking is available at the Waasland Shopping Center, approximately 1 kilometer from Romain De Vidtspark and Parklaan.
- Bus: Please note! Adjusted timetables for De Lijn. Check your app for real-time information.
- Train: get off at Sint-Niklaas station and walk to Romain De Vidtspark.
Sports insurance
Look up bib number
Available here starting August 21, 2026
Terms and Conditions of Ballonloop vzw
Read here
Participation fee
The price is:
- Includes a personalized bib number until: August 20 – 12:00 a.m.
Without a personalized bib or while supplies last until: September 5 at 8:00 PM - Group registration closes on September 1, 2026
- Same-day registrations are possible at the reception desk in Romain De Vidts Park.
Walk together as a team
Are you looking for a fun team-building activity with your coworkers, or do you and your former leadership team want to encourage each other to achieve a new running goal together? Sign up now as a group. Group registrations are open until: August 20 at 12:00 a.m.
New! Team Competition
Read the rules here. There are also podium prizes for the fastest group in the 10K competition.
Register as a group
- First, create an account at www.keeponrunning.beby clicking on theLogin button in the top right corner.
- The website works best in Google Chrome.
- Complete the steps and confirm your account via the link in the email (often ends up in spam).
- The group captain creates the group using this link
- Fill in all your details and register in a team.
- You can now register your group members using the standard registration form.
- The team captain can always review and pay for the group through their profile.
- Payment must be made before the start of the event via the team captain's profile.
If you have any questions: events@keeponrunning.be
Why register as a group?
- Your group name on all bib numbers.
- More easily recognizable in photos and in the online results.
- All bib numbers are ready and waiting at reception, so only one person needs to come and collect them.
- Group registration possible on invoice. Basic prices apply to groups.
- Prize for the winner of the team competition (10K)
- For groups of 10 or more
View the step-by-step plan for group registrations here. Prefer a video? View the instructions for team captains here. The instructions for team members can be found here.
Reselling tickets
Are you unable to attend this event at the last minute? Find out what you can do below:
-
- Up to 21 days before the event, you will receive a 75% refund of the registration fee. You can cancel your ticket yourself via your Keep on Running profile.
- Less than 21 days until the event? Keep on Running does not currently offer a ticket resale platform.
- Your race number is your ticket. You can find it on your Keep on Running profile.
- Tickets purchased through a group registration cannot be resold
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 via social media to strangers.
View here How to easily transfer your ticket.Pacers for the 10K
Ready to set a new record? Get ready torun alongside one of our pacers on the 10km. They can be recognized by their large flag with a time stamp.
Balloon Run 2026 T-shirts
Get the official Ballonloop T-shirt. 🎽
A sporty memento of your participation that perfectly matches your medal!✨
👈View the design here.
Lightweight and comfortable. Sports fabric by CRAFT. Perfect for breaking in. Or for wearing with pride afterward.
Available in various sizes. Available only via pre-order until August 20, 2026.
Ballonloop 2026 T-shirts will be available for pickup at the event. Order in time and run in style on September 6. 💥
The ultimate preparation
Still looking for the perfect gear? Check!
With Runners’ Lab’s tips and gear, you can get the most out of your running or walking experience.
Runners’ Labprovides personalized professional advice, fully tailored to your goals.
Discover here Take all these tips to heart and step up to the starting line with confidence!
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.
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