By: Jonathan Trotter
Posted: September 19, 2015
Excellent small scale race
Nice change from big city races, modest number of marathon runners (666 the year I ran!), very scenic course which is mostly flat. Not a race to run if you like large crowds and lots of razzmatazz but I much prefer this sort of event. The route runs along the river for large stretches and there are only really lots of spectators in the small town of Vise where the start and finish are located. Organization quietly efficient. We stayed in Liege and got an early train to the start. I'd love to run this one again.
By: Manoel S.
Posted: June 06, 2012
Truly is the most bucolic marathon in Belgium
I really enjoyed this marathon. It is a very nice race to achieve your personal record, beyond the fact you will run along two countries (Belgium and Holland).
The course is about 95% flat and the weather is the ideal to run a marathon.
On the day of the event also happened other races (5k, 9k and half-marathon), but for the marathon just about 500 runners were aligned at the start.
Since it is not a crowded race you are able to set a good pace from the start.
The marathon runner should just keep in mind that most of the time he will run almost alone in the middle of some very quiet areas. I think that is why the organizers call it 'the most bucolic marathon in Belgium'. Overall this race is a great experience, and worth it.
By: Tim S.
Posted: May 14, 2010
Great event!
This was my first half marathon. I really enjoyed the experience. The race organizers were very helpful despite the language barrier. The course was very rural and beautiful. Though it had a few more hills than I expected, I would definitely run it again.
By: Michel D.
Posted: August 31, 2009
Nice, flat, scenic course
This was a top choice for my first marathon after I missed Paris with an injury! Nice, flat, scenic course, and good and enthusiastic organization. My wife could follow me on her bike and give me support. Nice medal and a good beer at the end. We really had fun. More people were encouraging on the Belgian side than on the Dutch side, but it was very friendly overall. A small-sized ("human-sized'" marathon, not to be missed if you're in the region....
By: Francisco R.
Posted: June 03, 2008
Flat and scenic race
Very scenic and flat race, going through beautiful areas and crossing the city of Maastricht. I followed the 4:30 pacers until the half marathon then it really got very hot, windy and very sunny, and I have to walk to the finish. They were celebrating the 10 years of the event so we could enjoy a lunch, and a party was organized on the streets of Visé. Thanks to the organization for this beautiful marathon.
By: Dorothy (Dot) Brookes
Posted: May 30, 2006
A must-do, scenic race
Visiting Holland from South Africa's Cape Town where I run all the time, this was a fantastic opportunity to see some of the Belgian and Dutch countryside - sooo beautiful.
This was my boyfriend's first half marathon and he too enjoyed it thoroughly - nice, flat course.
Organization was great, as was the support - I counted more than eight bands! Food and drink? WOW - only it would be nice if the water was in sachets as opposed to the glasses; it would be easier.
Thanks very much for your hospitality and a great race!!
Please note all my comments regarding marathons are in actual fact for half marathons - plan to run my first marathon here in SA in September.
By: Marc B.
Posted: May 04, 2004
Choosing this one, you can't go wrong
Fifth participation in a row and I must say that the (friendly) organization is still improving. Abundant refreshment every 5 km, pace groups, clear distance markers and peaceful landscapes (actually a loop starting from Visé, Belgium to Maastricht, The Netherlands and going back to Visé).
About 1,000 participants in the marathon race, but there was also a half marathon, a 5K and a 10K race.
If you have the chance to run this one and if you don't mind running almost without spectators, do not hesitate and come to Visé. Apart from the ugly medal (ugliest ever seen), everything is perfect here.
By: James S.
Posted: May 03, 2004
beautiful course and a well organized race
This race had several pluses:
1. I had heard the course was beautiful, and it was. Much of the course fell on roads or bike paths that paralleled the Meuse River. Other parts went down tree-lined roads or wound through cobblestone streets. Of note, cobblestone does not make for easy running, so be prepared.
2. This was an extremely well organized race. It was small enough to be manageable, but not so small that you felt you were running by yourself. Moreover, the race staff were very helpful and accommodating.
3. The start is 5min from the train station and started late enough in the morning (9:30) that you could catch a train from Brussels and make the start on time. For folks who drove, there was plenty of parking nearby.
4. The race allows runners to have a cyclist accompany them (starting at K13). Although I generally see this as a plus, there were 100s of cyclists and they at times got in the way when you were trying to pass another runner. But the cyclists were only an occasional nuisance and I think the benefits outweigh the costs.
5. With only one short hill, the course is fast!
By: KARL KISCH
Posted: May 13, 2003
A festive and pleasant country-style marathon
Fantastic event! The local folks were very supportive, attentive to all of our needs. It was fun, fun, fun all the way. The weather was rather hot and sunny, but there were plenty of water stations. What a great way to see the Meuse River Valley, City of Maastricht, and Vise. I highly recommend this run to anyone who wants a small event (about 800 runners) and enjoys running in the country.
By: Anonymous
Posted: June 13, 2001
A marathon that will grow
This is a flat marathon where you can expect a good time. It has also very nice landscapes and the organization has very much improved. But do not expect very much support from the crowd. There is NO crowd, and even when you cross the city of Maastricht, people will be looking at you with indifference.
By: Anonymous
Posted: October 21, 2000
very fast marathon between Belgium and Netherlands
It was only the second edition but the organization is already good. First, we run around the city of Visé and we had a lot of supporters. Most of the run is along the Meuse river. The landscape is very nice. After 21Km, we pasted through the city of Maastricht and it's a very clean city and the people gave us a lot of support. Between the 27th and the 40th [km] the race was still very flat but more difficult because we didn't see many supporters and we were around 600 runners, so it's not so fun when you run alone.