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The 2025 ING Night Marathon in Luxembourg will welcome a record 17,000 participants from 117 countries, with expanded musical entertainment, extensive logistics, and strong official support.
This year’s edition was introduced during an official press conference that saw the presence of numerous high-ranking officials – highlighting just how important this sporting and community event has become for the City of Luxembourg. Organisers also emphasised the enormous logistical effort required to make it all happen.
When the ING Night Marathon first launched in 2006, it attracted 6,000 runners. This year, the organising team proudly announced a new record of 17,000 participants, with places already sold out by Easter.
Erich François, director of the marathon, shared his ambition to eventually reach 20,000 runners, but stressed that this growth must be gradual, due to space limitations around LuxExpo and the narrower city streets, especially compared to larger European cities like Berlin or Paris. He explained that even the width of the starting zone needs to be carefully adjusted to ensure a smooth flow from front to back.
Participation in the full marathon distance remains relatively modest, with around 2,000 runners signed up, while the half-marathon continues to draw the largest crowd. Notably, registrations among runners aged 20 to 30 have seen a significant rise.
In terms of atmosphere, the marathon promises more energy than ever: this year, 530 musicians will be stationed along the route – roughly one every 8m – ensuring a vibrant, festival-like experience for runners and spectators alike, François explained.
ING Night Marathon 2018 / © Pressphoto
Here's all you need to know about the event.
The Route
The 18th edition of the ING Night Marathon will kick off at 7pm in front of LuxExpo/The Box. The full marathon course of 42.195 km will take the 17,000 runners through various districts of Luxembourg City, including Kirchberg, Limpertsberg, Belair, Merl, Hollerich, Gare, and the city centre, before returning over the Red Bridge to the finish line at LuxExpo.
In addition to the full marathon, the event includes a half-marathon, a team run, and a 5km race for beginners. Younger participants can take part in the Mini and Mini-Mini Marathons.
As in previous years, all affected neighbourhoods in the city will remain accessible during the event. The Luxembourg Police and City services will work to ensure that residents and spectators can move around with minimal disruption.
There will be 40 designated crossing points for drivers along the route, and streets will be reopened as soon as the last runner has passed. Most cars may remain parked near the route but must not be moved during the race. All public car parks in Luxembourg City will remain open.
Public transport
All regular Luxembourg City bus lines will operate as normal until 6pm, except for those serving Limpertsberg and Kirchberg, which will end earlier at 4pm. After 6pm, no buses will run between the central station and city centre, but the tram will continue operating on a special schedule.
From 6pm to 7pm, tram services will be suspended between LuxExpo and the airport. Additionally, between 7.10pm and 9.20pm, there will be no tram service between Faïencerie and Théâtre stations.
However, service will resume afterward and run later than usual, with the final tram departing LuxExpo at 2.30am.
On 31 May, public transport remains the best way to travel into the city. All information is available at marathon.vdl.lu and luxtram.lu.
Shuttles
To help athletes and spectators reach the city, two free shuttle lines will run. P+R Bouillon and P+R Luxembourg-Sud will be connected to Glacis, where the events take place. Parking at both P+Rs is free for 24 hours.
Note that the vel’OH! stations at Rond Point Schuman and Place Guillaume II will be out of service from 9am on Saturday until 8am the following morning.
For any questions related to public transport and shuttles on marathon day, a dedicated hotline has been set up: 4796-3846. Further practical details are also available at mobiliteit.lu.
Safety and emergency services
The Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) will deploy 185 personnel to ensure rapid and appropriate response in case of emergencies. The setup includes 10 ambulances, 12 mobile units, and several other vital support services.
The Luxembourg Police and City of Luxembourg staff will also be on hand to maintain safety and smooth coordination throughout the event. Apart from ensuring participant safety on key points of the route, the police has planned an increased presence to reinforce traffic bans and diversions.
As with any large-scale event, the police also reminds visitors and participants to remain vigilant with regards to pickpockets.
Running alongside the marathon is the 7th edition of "Roll & Run", which will start at 6pm from Glacis. This 7.2km event will take participants over the Limpertsberg area and welcomes both runners and rollers.
You can find more on the official website of the ING Night Marathon here
Watch the press conference in Luxembourgish
