Brussels Airport Marathon 2026: Finding affordable accommodation in Brussels for the race

Are you preparing for the Brussels Marathon 2026? Congratulations on this magnificent sporting challenge! Taking part in a marathon is an extraordinary adventure that requires months of physical and mental preparation. But beyond the training, logistics play a crucial role in the success of your race. Finding the right accommodation is often the first hurdle that runners face, especially in a highly sought-after European capital.

At Roomlala, we know how much the stress of organising can weigh on your performance. The 2026 edition promises to be particularly complex in terms of booking, with major changes announced by the organisers and a turnout that promises to be historic. If you are looking for Brussels marathon accommodation that combines comfort, flexibility and a controlled budget, you have come to the right place.

Read also: Weltklasse Zurich 2026: Smart accommodation for the big athletics event, Eurochocolate 2026: Homestay accommodation in Perugia for a gourmet weekend and Celtic Colours 2026: Homestay accommodation to experience autumn in Nova Scotia

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain why renting a homestay in Brussels is the ideal solution to experience this event with peace of mind. Forget overpriced hotels and breakfasts served too late: discover how to optimise your sports trip to Belgium while enjoying local hospitality.

The Brussels Marathon 2026: What you need to know about this new edition

The Brussels Airport Marathon is not just any race. It is an event that transforms the face of the Belgian capital, attracting running enthusiasts from all four corners of the globe. For the 2026 edition, several crucial factors must be taken into account now to organise your stay.

Dates to remember and record turnout

Although the final official calendar is still being validated by the organiser Golazo, the Brussels Marathon 2026 is scheduled for the autumn. The dates of 25 October or 1 November 2026 are currently favoured by international sports calendars. This autumn period generally offers ideal weather conditions for running in Belgium, with cool temperatures that are conducive to performance.

The event attracts a massive international audience every year. Recent editions have brought together up to 20,000 participants across all the distances on offer, ranging from the legendary 42.195 km marathon to the half-marathon, as well as more accessible 7 km courses. This diversity of formats means that the city will literally be taken over by runners, their families and their supporters throughout the weekend.

Faced with such high numbers, the city's hotel capacity is quickly saturated. International participants, often coming from France, the Netherlands, the UK or Germany, book their accommodation several months in advance. It is therefore essential not to wait until the last minute to secure your base, at the risk of having to stay a long way from the starting zone or paying a premium price.

A classic use case that we observe at Roomlala: a group of three French friends decides to run the half-marathon. By planning six months in advance, they easily find homestays in the same neighbourhood, allowing them to share transport costs and experience the event together, without facing the pressure of last-minute bookings.

Attention: A new historical route to anticipate

This is the big news that is shaking up the organisation of this edition: in November 2025, the City of Brussels officially announced that the marathon would no longer cross its territory (Brussels-City) from 2026 onwards. This historic decision, motivated by budgetary reasons and local organisational constraints, completely changes the situation for those familiar with the event.

Concretely, this means that the old landmarks, such as the majestic start from Place De Brouckère or the triumphant finishes in the historic city centre, are no longer relevant. The organiser Golazo is currently working on a brand-new route that will highlight other municipalities in the Brussels-Capital Region or the outskirts.

For you, future participants, the impact on your accommodation search is direct. It is imperative that you do not rush to hotels in the city centre thinking you will be next to the start line. At Roomlala, we advise you to favour flexible accommodation or to wait for the official announcement of the new route before targeting a specific neighbourhood.

By opting for a homestay, you often benefit from more flexible cancellation conditions or the possibility of discussing with your host the best transport connections (STIB metro, tram) to reach the future start village, regardless of its final location.

Why do hotel prices skyrocket during the marathon?

It is an economic reality well known to sports travellers: during major events, hotel rates soar. The phenomenon of 'yield management' (dynamic pricing) practised by hotel chains means that prices increase mechanically as room availability decreases. For sports event accommodation in Belgium, the bill can quickly become steep.

During the marathon weekend, it is not uncommon to see the price of a standard hotel room in Brussels double or even triple compared to a classic autumn weekend. Hoteliers know that demand is inelastic: registered runners must find a place to sleep. This 'marathon tax' weighs heavily on the overall budget for your race, which already includes the race number, transport and equipment.

In addition, hotels often impose very strict conditions during these periods of high demand. You may be faced with minimum stay requirements (mandatory two or three nights) or non-refundable cancellation policies. If you get injured during your preparation and have to cancel your participation, you risk losing the entire amount of your hotel booking.

Finally, the hotel experience is not always adapted to the specific needs of a marathon runner. Noise in the corridors, the impossibility of cooking your own meals, or even the stress of rushed check-outs on Sunday morning after the race, are all factors that can hinder your recovery and your overall performance.

Homestay: The ideal solution for marathon runners

Faced with soaring prices and hotel constraints, renting a room in a homestay via Roomlala stands out as a prime alternative. It is a solution that puts the human element back at the centre of your trip while offering you undeniable practical advantages for tackling your 42 kilometres in the best possible conditions.

Substantial savings for your accommodation in Brussels

The primary motivation for choosing a homestay in Brussels is obviously financial. By renting a room from a private individual, you avoid hotel speculation. Hosts on Roomlala generally offer fair and stable rates throughout the year, based on the actual cost of living and not on a profit-maximisation algorithm.

On average, our users find that staying in a homestay costs between 40% and 60% less than a hotel room of equivalent comfort during a major event. This substantial saving allows you to significantly reduce the total cost of your marathon weekend.

What to do with this saved money? You could invest it in a better pair of running shoes, treat yourself to a well-deserved recovery massage after the race, or simply enjoy Brussels gastronomy (a nice waffle or a Trappist beer to celebrate your medal!).

Let's take the example of Sarah, an amateur runner from Lyon. In 2024, she booked two nights with a Brussels host via Roomlala for 90 euros in total, while hotels in the area were showing prices of around 250 euros for the same duration. This saving of 160 euros allowed her to come with her partner, who was able to support her on the side of the road.

Unavoidable logistical advantages (Kitchen and schedule)

The secret of a successful marathon often lies in the 24 hours preceding the starting gun. Nutrition is a key performance factor. By staying in a hotel, you are often forced to look for an Italian restaurant the night before for your traditional 'pasta party', with the risk of not finding a table or eating a meal that is too rich.

By renting a homestay, you generally have access to your host's kitchen. You can therefore prepare your pre-race meal yourself, weigh your carbohydrates, use your own ingredients and avoid any risk of digestive issues. It is a huge psychological comfort to know that you are in control of your diet right to the end.

The morning of the race is just as crucial. A marathon start is often early (around 09:00). It is recommended to have your last meal three hours before the effort, i.e., around 06:00 in the morning. The majority of hotels only serve breakfast from 07:00 or 07:30, which is much too late for a runner. At your host's home, you can get up at 05:30, prepare your coffee and toast in peace in the kitchen, without waking anyone up.

Moreover, staying with a Brussels resident means benefiting from the advice of a local expert. Your host will be able to show you the quickest way to reach the start, warn you about metro stations closed for the event, or lend you an umbrella if the Belgian weather turns fickle during your warm-up.

How to choose your accommodation with Roomlala?

Now that you are convinced of the advantages of a homestay, here is our practical advice for choosing your accommodation on Roomlala, taking into account the specifics of the Brussels Marathon 2026.

First of all, anticipate the uncertainty linked to the new route. Since the City of Brussels will no longer be crossed, favour peripheral municipalities that are very well served by the public transport network (STIB). Municipalities such as Schaerbeek, Ixelles, Etterbeek or Woluwe-Saint-Lambert have excellent metro and tram connections, guaranteeing you can reach any starting point easily.

When searching on our platform, use our filters to find the perfect accommodation. Make sure the listing mentions access to the kitchen. Do not hesitate to read the reviews from previous tenants to ensure the accommodation is quiet: a good night's sleep is essential the night before an endurance event.

Communication is the key to a successful stay. Before finalising your booking, send a message to the host to explain the purpose of your stay. Specify that you are taking part in the marathon, that you will need to get up very early on Sunday morning and that you need to cook the night before. Roomlala hosts are generally very understanding and delighted to welcome sports enthusiasts. Some might even come and cheer you on from the side of the road!

Finally, regarding security and the legal framework, Roomlala protects you. All transactions are carried out securely on the platform, and payments are only released to the host after your arrival. You benefit from a guarantee and a responsive customer service department if needed. By booking via our platform, you ensure a stay without any unpleasant surprises, allowing you to focus 100% of your energy on your sporting goal: crossing the finish line of the Brussels Marathon 2026!

• Flexibility: Adapt to the new route by choosing accommodation that is well served by public transport.
• Savings: Preserve your budget by avoiding surcharged hotel rates.
• Nutrition: Cook your own pre-race meals thanks to access to the kitchen.
• Rest: Enjoy the quiet of private accommodation and manage your waking hours without constraints.