RTL joined the crowds on Saturday to capture the atmosphere. Once again, thousands of supporters descended upon the capital to cheer on the runners.
Organiser Erich François also gave a positive assessment early on, saying that things were going very well from his perspective. He acknowledged that the event had been somewhat unlucky with the rain shower at the start, but said that after 20 years of largely good weather, a few drops at the starting line were allowed. "The atmosphere is great, amazing in the city, Limpertsberg is doing great as always", he said.
François said he was satisfied and was now waiting for the last runners to come in before finally allowing himself a well-earned glass of beer, probably at around 1.30am. He also described the start of the race as an extraordinary moment, saying that anyone who has ever stood there and felt the goosebumps as the energy suddenly erupts knows how special it is.
For him, it was an incredible feeling, and one that makes it impossible not to be on the runners' side.
One runner, who completed the half marathon in 1 hour, 18 minutes and 34 seconds, said he was very satisfied, particularly as he had crossed the line together with his brother. He described the course as demanding but praised the atmosphere, thanking everyone who had come out to support the runners.
Another runner, who completed his first half marathon and first ING Night Marathon in 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 27 seconds, said the experience had been excellent, with a great atmosphere and many spectators along the route.
Other participants described the Luxembourg marathon as a key event and said running it with colleagues or friends made it even more motivating. One long-time participant, who had taken part in the very first edition, said the atmosphere improves every year and that the race offers a special way to experience Luxembourg.
The 20th edition will be held on 8 May 2027.
At Place de l'Europe there was plenty on offer to entertain visitors, including a slackline performance over the track. Archie Williams walked 4.2 kilometres over a slackline in around 2 hours.
For the runners, meanwhile, spectators gathered around 5 kilometres from the finish line to offer drinks and encouragement ahead of the final push. RTL spoke to Yves from FatBetty.Run, who had dressed up for the occasion.
Yves described the event as "a big circus", joking that he was one of the monkeys. He explained that FatBetty.Run sets up its annual “feel station” on Kirchberg because this part of the route, after the Red Bridge, is one of the toughest sections for runners.
The aim, he said, is to give participants the extra boost they need for the final stretch towards Luxexpo. The group offers beer, which often surprises runners. Some refuse it, he said, but many are delighted to accept.
Yves, who has run the race himself several times, said he knows how difficult this part of the course can be. He added that the group usually stays until the very last marathon and half-marathon runners have passed, likely between 1.30am and 2am.
The atmosphere remained lively across the city, both on Kirchberg and in the city centre.
Elsewhere along the route, there was music, cheers, and energy from the crowd, helping the runners on their way to the finish line in Kirchberg.
Thousands of volunteers assisted with organising the runners' backpacks and belongings in Hall 8 at Luxexpo, including students from a private girls' secondary school in Ettelbruck. Despite the strenuous work, one student volunteer said it was "a pleasure to help people".
The runners were able to leave their bags, jackets, phones, and other belongings there before the race. Volunteers then sorted the backpacks by race number and returned them to participants once they came back to collect them.
Another said the experience had even made her consider taking part herself next year, perhaps in the 5km race, adding that it was inspiring to see so many people from different countries coming together.
The Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) deployed 160 staff across the capital, including teams on foot, motorbike units, and ambulances.
An advanced medical post was also set up at Luxexpo to assess and treat runners before deciding whether they needed to be taken to hospital, helping to avoid unnecessary pressure on clinics.
According to the CGDIS, the most common issues for runners were foot sprains, overheating, or fainting from the physical exertion.
