A running festival with a heartbeat: atmosphere, experience, and mud in a beautiful natural setting

Results.
What?

COUNTDOWN! Registration opens on October 27, 2026.

 

The “Polders of Kruibeke” nature reserve is not only a controlled floodplain but also a paradise for athletes who want to enjoy nature in its purest form. During the beautiful yet challenging trail through the Kruibeke polders, you’ll not only see various highlights of the polders but also encounter plenty of special activities along the way.

Whether you choose the 10.5 km, 21 km, 42 km, or the 21 km walking tour, everyone gets to experience the polders at their own pace. Thekids’ runis back again, too.

And after the finish? A well-stocked goodie bag, a refreshing shower, and of course HARTSLAG, the legendary afterparty where runners, supporters, and locals raise a glass together and, above all, let loose on the dance floor.

A marathon in Kruibeke, for Kruibeke. But above all: one that you experience together with the entire region.

 

Want a peek behind the scenes? Be sure to follow the Van Moer Marathon in Kruibeke on Instagram. 

 

Details.

When?

February 27, 2027

Hour

7:30 a.m.: Welcome
9:00 a.m.: Van Moer Marathon
9:10 a.m.: Half marathon walkers
10:30 a.m.: Kids' run
12:30 p.m.: Half marathon
2:00 p.m.: 10.5 kilometers
5:00 p.m.: HARTSLAG

Where?

Polders van Kruibeke - East Flanders
Scheldelei 1, 9150 Kruibeke

How far?

1K: kids' run (up to 12 years old)
10.5K: run
21K: run & walk
42K: run

Price?

10 EUR for the kids' run (the other distances are sold out)

Registration is open until?

February 27, 2027
While supplies last. Event with limited capacity.

What do I get for this?

Medal
Insurance
First aid
Compensation for use of ANB nature reserve
Decorated marquee & event village
Catering and entertainment
Electronic timekeeping (except walkers and kids' run)
Showers
Goodie bag
Secure storage for sports bags
Event village
Atmospheric images and aftermovie
Free entry to afterparty HARTSLAG (personal)
Stage prizes

Terms and Conditions?

Share this event!

Choose your challenge

Whether you're running your first race or have been training for a marathon for months, there's a distance for everyone.

42KM — MARATHON

The ultimate challenge. Two laps through the Kruibeke Polders, covering 42.195 kilometers.— Participants in the Van Moer marathon run the 21-kilometer course twice.

21KM — HALF MARATHON

One challenging lap through the polders. Ideal for anyone who wants to challenge themselves over half the distance.

10KM — NEW COURSE 

 Discover new trails, new views, and new spots along the route.

21KM — HIKE

Prefer to go at your own pace? Hike 21 kilometers through the same beautiful scenery, with the same amenities and experience.

1KM — KIDS' RUN

Even the youngest runners get their chance to shine. A short, fun, and unforgettable introduction to running. For runners ages 6 to 12.

 

Download the GPX files for the 21K and 42K here. 

You'll soon be able to download the GPX file for the 10.5K here. 

SUBTEXT: 

  • 1/5 Trail path 
  • 1/5 Hardened towpath 
  • 3/5 Asphalt 

Just be aware that the MVK is known for a challenging final muddy stretch at the bottom of the Scheldelei. This section can get very soggy and is about 2 km from the finish line. Or, for marathon runners, just past the halfway point. 

There is one additional aid station along the course; the emergency number is printed on your race bib. Various entertainment stations are set up along the entire course, and we take the polder and its residents into consideration.

 

What shoes do we recommend? A trail shoe or hybrid running shoe is definitely not a luxury. You can also run in regular running shoes, but be extra careful on muddy sections. We recommend getting personalized advice from our partner, Runners’lab.

 

STOCK:

  • 10.5 km: 1 aid station 
  • 21KM: 3 aid stations 
  • 42 km: 7 aid stations 
  • We are a cup-free event. Ecocups or soft flasks can be brought from home or purchased when you register. 

 

Participation fee

Because we're walking through a protected nature reserve, only a limited number of tickets are available.

 

  • Includes a personalized race bib: through February 1, 2027.
  • If you resell your ticket through the Keep on Running platform before February 1, 2026, it will still be in your name.
  • If you don't have a personalized bib number, you can still purchase one until February 25, 2026. 
Daily Schedule

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2027

  • 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: Pick up race bibs at Runners’lab Zwijndrecht
  • 6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.: Pick up race bibs in the tent on Scheldelei

 

 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2027

  • 7:30 a.m.: Event village, bar, and reception open
  • 8:00 a.m.: Pickup of race bibs, T-shirts, and eco-cups begins
  • 8:45 a.m.: Warm-up and meet-up at the Van Moer Marathon
  • 9:00 a.m.: Start Van Moer Marathon RUN
  • 9:10–9:30 a.m.: Open start for the ½ Marathon WALK
  • 10:15 a.m.: Warm-up and meet-up for the Kids Run
  • 10:30 a.m.: Kids' Run (ages 12 and under)
  • 11:00 a.m.: Food trucks open
  • 12:15 p.m.: Warm-up and meet-up for the ½ Marathon
  • 12:30 p.m.: Start of the ½ Marathon RUN
  • 2:00 p.m.: Start of the ¼ Marathon RUN (10.5 km)
  • 2:15 p.m.: Awards Ceremony for the Marathon and Half Marathon (Men and Women)
  • 3:15 p.m.: Awards Ceremony for the Men’s and Women’s Quarter Marathon & Largest Group
  • 3:30 p.m.: HARTSLAG begins.
  • 4:00 p.m.: Cloakroom, first aid station, recreational activities, and showers close

 

LINEUP: HARTSLAG – TBA 

  • 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: 
  • 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.:
  • 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.:
  • 7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.:
  • 9:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.:
  • 10:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.:
  • 11:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.:
  • Tickets – they're more expensive at the box office, so order them soon (coming soon)

 

Practical Info + MVK Merch

MVK MERCH 2027 

Available for pre-order when you sign up by February 1, 2027. Merch designed by BLOS.

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Pick up bib number

  • In advance: From Monday, February 22, through Friday, February 26, at Runners’ Lab Zwijndrecht during the store hours of the store.
  • At the event: on the day of the event between 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the fan zone on Scheldelei

All participants will receive a race number. No race number, no participation!

Cupless event: Attention! The Van Moer Marathon in Kruibeke is a cup-free event. This means that we will NOT be providing cups at the aid stations.

  • Please bring your own running backpack or water bottle and take it with you on the course
  • You can purchase an Ecocup for €3 when you register or at the ticket windowYou can purchase a Runners’ Lab soft flask for €12 when you register or at the ticket counter

Same-day registration: Same-day registration is not available for adults; this event sells out in advance. Same-day registration is available for the kids' run, however.

Luggage: A free, secure storage area is provided for your personal belongings.

Changing rooms, showers, and restrooms: Changing rooms and showers are available. Restrooms are located on and next to the course.

Food and Beverage Options: Throughout the day, everyone can visit the food trucks for delicious (vegetarian) snacks. (Not included in your ticket.) The bar is open continuously in the heated tent.

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!

 

 

Kids' Run

1 kilometer of pure fun for cool kids!

All children aged 6 to 12 years old are welcome to participate. Afterwards, each participant will receive a beautiful medal and a fun goodie bag. The children will depart in groups according to grade.  

* In the supporters' village, every child must remain under the supervision of an adult at all times. 

 

DAILY SCHEDULE KIDS' RUN  

  • 10:10 a.m.: Meet at the Kids Run starting area
  • 10:15 a.m.: Warm-up for the Kids Run 
  • 10:30 a.m.: start of 3rd grade (5th-6th grade) 
  • 10:40 a.m.: start of 2nd grade (3rd-4th year) 
  • 10:50 a.m.: start of 1st grade (1st-2nd year) 
  • Goodie bags and medals for all the kids! 

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE KIDSRUN 

How do I register my child?  

It is important that you register your child using his/her own name and date of birth. To do this, first create a profile for yourself as a parent (because that is where all emails will be sent), then go to the registration form and first register yourself before clicking on 'register a minor –18'. 

 MAs a parent, can I run alongside the kids during the kids' run?  

No. This is not permitted for this kids' run. We provide front and rear runners for each group of kids. There are also plenty of volunteers present on the course. Parents can watch the entire race from the Scheldelei (which is higher than Het Kortbroek, where the kids are running). So, as a parent, do not register for the kids' run. 

From what age can children participate in the kids' run? 

All enthusiastic runners aged 6 to 12 are welcome. Each participant will receive a medal and a goodie bag. There are no prizes for the fastest runners. 

Is there also a podium for the kids' run? 

No. It’s all fun and games, and everyone’s a winner. There’s no separate podium for the kids’ run, but there is a goodie bag.  

What shoes are they allowed to wear?

Regular athletic shoes are perfect! Spikes and soccer cleats are not allowed. There is one inflatable on the course so you can power right through it. 

HEARTBEAT

After the run? Clear your mind and get your heart rate up to 180 on the dance floor. Afterparty powered by Tout Bien Pils.

 

Rumor has it that runners are the best dancers—and we’ve been proving it for years.  

We'll find out if that rule still holds true this year during the fourth edition of our legendary marathon afterparty! As soon as all the runners and walkers have crossed the finish line, the party will really get started. 

All participants of the event enjoy free admission. Want to bring friends or family? You can! Additional tickets can be purchased in advance or at the box office. 

Additional ticket sales will begin on October 27, 2026. Every adult participant will automatically receive access to HARTSLAG (included with registration). 

 

FAQ HEARTBEAT 

What exactly is the situation with the ticket for the party? 

Tickets for HARTSLAG will be available starting October 1, 2026, for people without a race ticket. Do you have a race ticket? If so, your admission to the afterparty is automatically included in your registration. After crossing the finish line, you’ll receive a wristband that our staff will put on you right away. This wristband is strictly personal.  

If you purchase an additional ticket (i.e., without a running ticket) for HARTSLAG, you will receive a confirmation email but NO QR code or other type of e-ticket. Bring the confirmation email with you to the event location, and your name will be on the guest list. 

Accessibility

De Lijn

Service provided by lines 93, 95, 97, 99, 99S
Stop: Scheldelei Kruibeke – 200m from the event.

Follow the signs once you arrive.

Timetable

The Ferry

Cross the water with the ferry service. Get off at the 'Kruibeke' stop. This is the best option if you are running the full marathon.

Ferry Schedule

The Waterbus

From Antwerp, Linkeroever, Kallo, Hemiksem, or Lillo, you can easily reach the Van Moer Marathon in Kruibeke by Waterbus. The Kruibeke stop is located 200 meters from the event. Are you running the marathon? Then check the Overzetboot timetable.

Timetable

The Bicycle

Are you coming by bike? That's the perfect warm-up for the Van Moer Marathon in Kruibeke.

There will be sufficient parking spaces available at parking lot 1: Scheldelei, 9150 Kruibeke.

The Car

There is limited parking space on Scheldelei.

  • Parking 1: Scheldelei, Kruibeke (200 spaces) 
  • Parking 2: Krijgsbaan 372, Zwijndrecht. With taxi service from Volvo De Keulenaer to the event. 
  • Parking 4: Kruibeke Village. Please park in accordance with traffic regulations. 
  • Parking 5: Den Dulpop Sports Hall. Beekdam 2, Bazel. Travel to the event by bicycle, shared scooter, or De Lijn.  

 

Staying overnight in a camper?

  • You can spend the night at the Scheldelei parking lot in Kruibeke. There are no electricity or water facilities.

The organization recommends that everyone carpool, ride a bike, or take public transportation!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Until when can I resell my ticket?

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. 

How can I resell my ticket?  

We have noticed for years that fake tickets are being resold. So don't get caught out: tickets can only be resold via the Keep on Running website.

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

Step-by-Step Guide to Reselling.
👉 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.

Is a jogging stroller permitted on the course? 

The Kruibeke Marathon is known for its challenging course, especially when it has rained. Running buggies are not allowed or recommended on the course because it sometimes passes through very narrow nature trails or very marshy areas. 

From what age can you participate in the other running distances? 

The ¼ marathon may be run by trained(!) young people aged 12 and above. It is important to note that parents are fully responsible for assessing the feasibility of this.  

The half marathon and full marathon are open to participants aged 16 and over.  

Can my dog come along for the walk? 

A trained dog is allowed on a leash. Because we are in a protected nature reserve, it is strictly forbidden to let your dog off the leash!  

Are pacers provided? 

Pacers ½ marathon: with the following times on their flags: 1h30, 1h40, 1h50, 2h00, and 2h10. 

Pacers ¼ marathon: with the following times on their flags:  

 

Do you have another question? 

Find the answer to your question on our Instagram or Facebook event. 

Or email events@keeponrunning.be 

 

 

Registration is open until
February 27, 2027

While supplies last. Event with limited capacity.

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.
€ 369
  • 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
New!
Partners.
Logo Runners' lab
Van Moer Logistics
Artfex
BKZ Municipality Logo
Kruibeke logo
Logo City of Zwijndrecht
All right
Vitamin Well logo
Coca Cola logo
Logo Compagnie Cordial
P&V
Umicore
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Jeppa logo
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Dranken De Keersmaecker
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