Even after 20 years, organiser Erich François said putting the marathon together remains complicated, with administrative requirements continuing to create obstacles. He pointed in particular to rules around drones and no-fly zones, explaining that organisers had asked for non-race-related drones to be banned in order to reduce risks.
Instead, the authorities introduced a full drone ban, which also affects the organisers themselves, François said. He added that he had raised the issue but was told the decision could no longer be changed. As he put it: "It's nonsensical. How can a regulation not be changed to make sense? Rules are there for people, not people for rules."
A slackline performance is also planned to take place, with Archie Williams running 4.2 kilometers on a 2cm-wide slackline during the marathon between Tour A and Tour B at Place de l'Europe.
Here's all you need to know about the event.
The race will start at Luxexpo at 7pm. After a long stretch through Kirchberg, runners will pass through Limpertsberg and Ville-Haute for both the half-marathon and the full marathon. The Gare district, Hollerich, and Belair will be part of the full marathon route only.
Along the way, runners will pass several well-known landmarks and streets, including Boulevard Kennedy, the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, the Grand Ducal Palace, the Gëlle Fra, Adolphe Bridge, and the municipal park. Spectators will also be able to see the runners along Avenue de la Liberté and at the Glacis.
Race results will be published directly on the official ING Night Marathon website.
As every year, Luxembourg City has reminded residents that parking along the route will be possible but limited. Vehicles parked on roads affected by the race will not be able to be moved while the marathon is taking place. The city therefore recommends moving any vehicles before the start of the event if they may be needed later.
Traffic will be cut off in the districts crossed by the race until midnight. Road closures will begin at 4.30pm in Kirchberg and Limpertsberg, from 7pm in the city centre, Hollerich, and Belair, and from 7.30pm in the Gare district.
Police will be present to help residents cross the route at one of the 38 crossing points set up along the course, depending on the progress of the race.
AVL municipal buses are expected to run normally until around 6pm, except in Kirchberg and Limpertsberg, where changes will apply from around 4pm. After that, several bus routes will be adapted, and the connection between the central station and the city centre will be interrupted.
The tram will run on an extended schedule across the full line, with last departures from Luxexpo and Stadion at 2.30am. However, there will be temporary interruptions between Luxexpo and Findel – Luxembourg Airport from 6.30pm to 7.40pm, and between Faïencerie and Theater from 6.50pm to 9.30pm.
During the latter interruption, a temporary pedestrian bridge will allow people to cross the race route.
The vél'OH stations at Rond-point Schuman and Knuedler will be closed from 9am on Saturday until 8am on Sunday.
The city recommends using the capital's Park & Ride facilities, including Bouillon, Luxembourg Sud A and B, and Stade de Luxembourg.
A free shuttle will run from the Bouillon Park & Ride to the Glacis and Luxexpo. Luxembourg City alderman for mobility Patrick Goldschmidt explained that there will no longer be a shuttle from the southern Park & Ride, as the tram now serves that connection.
Drivers can also check the occupancy of the capital's car parks via the city's mobility information page.
The authorities have stressed that the emergency hospital on duty in Kirchberg will remain accessible throughout the event. From 4.30pm, access by car will be possible via the Serra roundabout, boulevard Pierre Werner and rue Edward Steichen, or from Neudorf via rue du Grünewald.
Public transport access will also be maintained, with municipal bus lines 7, 18, 26, and 30 continuing to serve the Hôpital Kirchberg stop throughout the evening, while line 16 will be diverted.
The tram will run on an extended schedule across the full line, with last departures from Luxexpo and Stadion at 2.30am. However, there will be temporary interruptions between Luxexpo and Findel – Luxembourg Airport from 6.30pm to 7.40pm, and between Faïencerie and Theater from 6.50pm to 9.30pm.
During the latter interruption, a temporary pedestrian bridge will allow people to cross the race route. Visiting hours at the Hôpitaux Robert Schuman will remain unchanged.
More information can be found on the Luxembourg City website.
A large number of officers will be deployed along the route. They will ensure that traffic restrictions are respected and manage the vehicle crossing points according to the progress of the race, in order to avoid putting participants at risk.
Given the large number of spectators expected, with up to 100,000 people likely to attend, police have also called on the public to remain vigilant and watch out for pickpockets.
You can find more on the official website of the ING Night Marathon here.
