Balloon Run 2025

September 7, 2025

Walk through the streets of the city of Sint-Niklaas during the Peace Festivities

Results.

What?

The 11th edition of the Balloon Run will take place on Sunday, September 7. This running event is part of the Peace Festivities in Sint-Niklaas, so you can count on a bustling city to run through.

The renovated Grand Market Square, the largest in Belgium, Stationsstraat, Regentieplein, the busy Parklaan... these are just a few highlights of the route.

So, on the first Sunday in September, take the whole family to Waasland for a Kids Run (1 km), Short Run (5 km), or Long Run (10 km), and enjoy all the other festivities afterwards.

Mark yourself as attending on the Facebook event. Follow us on Instagram for all updates.

Details.

When?

September 7, 2025

Hour

1:15 p.m. Kids Run (1 km)
1:30 p.m. Short Run (5 km)
3:00 p.m. Long Run (10 km)
4:15 p.m. Podium ceremony

Where?

Saint Nicholas

Park Avenue, Saint-Nicolas

How far?

1 km (up to 12 years old) - 5 km - 10 km

Registration is open until?

September 6, 2025

8 p.m. online. Same-day registration possible

What do I get for this?

Participation on a closed city course
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?

Read them here

Share this event!

Course

The start and finish lines are located a stone's throw from the Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas. After the starting shot, you immediately run in that direction.

Via Stationsstraat, you will take a detour to Romain de Vidtspark, where a DJ will get your adrenaline pumping. After passing through Parklaan, you will enter a slightly quieter part of the city. The 5 km will be complete when you return to Parklaan. For the 10 km, the second lap will follow!

Discover the Kids Run route here.

You can view the circulation of the Short Run here , and during the Long Run you run this loop twice.

Supply

Kids Run 1 km: Caprisun at the finish line

Short Run 5 km: refreshments at km 3.5 + a Vitamin Well at the finish line

Long Run 10 km: refreshments at km 3.5 and km 8.5 + a Vitamin Well at the finish line

Program

11:00: Opening reception
12:45: Gathering for the Kids Run at the start & warm-up led by Ruben Van Gucht
1:15 p.m.: Kids' run 1 km
1:00 p.m.: Meet at Short Run at the start & warm-up led by Ruben Van Gucht
1:30 p.m.: Short Run 5 km
2:30 p.m.: Gather at the start of the Long Run & warm up with Ruben Van Gucht
3:00 PM: Long Run 10 km
4:15 p.m.: Podium ceremony in Romain De Vidts Park

Practical information

Read the race briefing: Race briefing Balloon Run 2025

Registrations

Personalized bib numbers are available until: August 18, 12:00 a.m.

Group registrations are possible until: August 18, 12:00 a.m.

Day registrations are possible: yes

Registration transfers/resales are possible until: September 6, 8 p.m. View here howhow to easily transfer your ticket. Or read the step-by-step plan here

Pick up bib number:

Runners' Lab Zwijndrecht during opening hours
- Wednesday, September 3: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thursday, September 4: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday, September 5: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Romain De Vidts Park

- Saturday, September 6: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Sunday, September 7: from 11 a.m.

Start and finish location

The start and finish are located on Parklaan in Sint-Niklaas. Parklaan is only accessible on foot. The podium ceremony will take place in Romain de Vidtspark on the large stage.

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.

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.

Keep on Running T-shirts

We have four high-quality running T-shirts in our range. Add your favorite color to your shopping cart and become part of our #keeponrunning community. You can pick it up on the day of the event itself at the T-shirt stand or at the reception desk.

Are you unexpectedly unable to attend the event? We will store your T-shirt after the event at the nearest Runners'lab store after you send a message to events@keeponrunning.be

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

Read here

Look up bib number

Click here

Participation fee

The price is:

Includes personalized bib number until: August 18, 2025 – 12:00 a.m.
Without personalized bib number or while supplies last until: September 6, 8:00 p.m.
Same-day registrations are possible at the reception desk in Romain De Vidts Park.

Walk together as a team

Fancy a fun team-building activity with your colleagues, or do you want to encourage each other as a former management team to achieve a new running goal together? Then sign up now here as a group. Group registrations are possible until: August 18, 12:00 a.m.

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.

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).
Only then should you go to the link for group registrations.
Use your team's code or set a code as team captain.
Fill in all your details and register in a team.
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.
Extra recognizable in photos.
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 largest group and tribute during the podium ceremony at 4 p.m. The largest group will be notified by email one week before the event.
No minimum number required.

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 resale platform. Look for a buyer/seller among your friends and acquaintances or check out our community on Facebook.

View here howhow to easily transfer your ticket. Or read the step-by-step plan here

Please note! With options A & B, you choose to transfer the ticket for FREE and the buyer will not receive a payment link. If you want the buyer to purchase the ticket, choose option C.

New! Pacers on 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.

The pacers will run for the following times:

45' – 50' – 55' – 60' – 65'

Unfortunately, this edition is sold out!

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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!