A press conference was held in Luxembourg City on Friday ahead of next weekend's ING night marathon. A record number of 18,000 runners have registered for the 19th edition of the race, which will see a slightly different route in place due to roadworks around the capital.
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 was 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. However, on Friday morning, the organisers were told that this would not be possible, even though this action was still mentioned in their press release.
There will also be changes to the finish line at the Luxexpo. No fog machines can be used due to fire restrictions. The route has also been adapted due to a number of roadworks and building sites around the capital.
Simone Beissel, Luxembourg City alderman for sports, explained: "This is mainly at the Pétrusse river, as there is a big building site where everything is being renovated, so we had to find a solution. It mainly affects the full 42 kilometre marathon, where these changes will take place."
The shuttle buses for runners will also be subjected to changes, explained Luxembourg City alderman Patrick Goldschmidt responsible for mobility: "We have a shuttle bus service from the Bouillon Park + Ride, going to the start point as well as the tram. But there is no shuttle bus from the south Park + Ride as we now have the tram to replace it."
The Luxembourg City website offers details on public transport in the capital for the marathon. Services are expected to operate as normally as possible, with 38 crossing points along the route allowing pedestrians to reach the other side of the track. AVL municipal buses will run as usual until 6pm, except in Limpertsberg, where changes will apply from 4pm. After that, several bus routes and tram services will be adapted.
The authorities have also 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.
Around 450 Luxembourg City staff will be deployed on Saturday night to ensure things run smoothly. The Luxembourg City council stated that the ING marathon is an event that brings much visibility to the city.
The council is proud of the fact that 71 music stages have been registered this year, with 670 musicians ensuring a fun atmosphere along the route. The city will be accessible throughout the day, with all car parks open and buses and trams to transport people around the race route.
