With just over three months to go until the 11th edition of the ING Night Marathon, ING Luxembourg has announced changes made to the more than a decade old running event.

The route for the latest edition will be slightly modified, due to early work being performed by Luxtram on the new tramway system.

"This is the reason for which we had to change the course, which was made in close consultation with the municipal administration and Ponts & Chaussées," explained Erich François, director of the race. Adjustments have been made between the Glacis and Kirchberg, with the narrowing of the Red Bridge meaning that the starting gate at Luxexpo was reduced and the starting phase lengthened. This time, participants will be passing in front of the EU Court of Justice.

"We're adapting the course today, to accommodate more riders tomorrow," continued Erich François. The marathon has already received 14,000 registrations and has been sold-out for weeks, with the waiting list already comprising 1,000 runners and no further registration possible.

This year's edition of the Night Marathon will be welcoming back 43-year-old German marathon record holder, Irina Mikitenko, who participated in the relay course in the last two editions and will be joined by Herbert Steffny.

When the starting whistle blows at 19:00 on 28 May 2016, the atmosphere around the event will be ensures by Samba Deluxe, as well as Lux Alaaf - the latter for the very first time. A group will be offering thirsty runners and spectators a cold Kölsch at the 40km mark, whilst participants will be bumped up by carnival music and Rhine rock. Also for the first time this edition, a team from Luxemoburg's circus school Zaltimbanq will be present to perform along the route.

The marathon itself comprises various different disciplines. The whole course itself is 42.195 km, whilst the half-marathon is 21.0975km. The Team Run involves 4 relay members, covering the just over 42 km distance in total, whilst the 5k Run for Success involves 3 runners starting together to make 5km. Children are also invited to take part, with a minimarathon of 1km available for children under the age of 10, and a 4.2km mini-course available for children aged 10 and above.

 

Photo by Ville de Luxembourg