Brussels Airport Marathon 2026: Affordable accommodation in Brussels for the race

Are you preparing for the Brussels Marathon 2026? Congratulations on taking on this magnificent sporting challenge! Participating in a marathon is an extraordinary adventure that requires months of physical and mental preparation. But beyond the training, logistics play a crucial role in the success of your race. Finding the right accommodation is often the first hurdle runners face, especially in a highly sought-after European capital.

At Roomlala, we know how much the stress of organisation can weigh on your performance. The 2026 edition is set to be particularly complex in terms of booking, with major changes announced by the organisers and a turnout that promises to be historic. If you are looking for Brussels marathon accommodation that combines comfort, flexibility and a controlled budget, you have come to the right place.

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In this comprehensive guide, we will explain why renting a homestay in Brussels is the ideal solution to experience this event with peace of mind. Forget overpriced hotels and late-served breakfasts: discover how to optimise your sporting trip in Belgium while enjoying local hospitality.

The Brussels Marathon 2026: What you need to know about this new edition

The Brussels Airport Marathon is not just any race. It is an event that transforms the landscape of the Belgian capital, attracting running enthusiasts from all four corners of the globe. For the 2026 edition, several crucial elements must be considered right now to organise your stay.

Dates to remember and record turnout

Although the final official calendar is still being validated by the organiser Golazo, the Brussels Marathon 2026 is scheduled for the autumn. The dates of 25 October or 1 November 2026 are currently being suggested by international sports calendars. This autumn period generally offers ideal weather conditions for running in Belgium, with cool temperatures that are conducive to performance.

The event attracts a massive international audience each year. Recent editions have brought together up to 20,000 participants across all distances on offer, from the legendary 42.195 km marathon to the half-marathon, as well as more accessible 7 km courses. This diversity of formats means that the city will be literally taken over by runners, their families and their supporters throughout the weekend.

Faced with such high demand, the city's hotel capacity is quickly saturated. International participants, often coming from France, the Netherlands, the UK or Germany, book their accommodation several months in advance. It is therefore essential not to wait until the last minute to secure your base, at the risk of having to stay significantly further from the start zone or paying a premium price.

A classic use case we see at Roomlala: a group of three French friends decides to run the half-marathon. By starting six months in advance, they easily find homestays in the same neighbourhood, allowing them to share transport costs and experience the event together, without the pressure of last-minute bookings.

Attention: A new historic course to anticipate

This is the big news that is shaking up the organisation of this edition: in November 2025, the City of Brussels officially announced that the marathon would no longer pass through its territory (City of Brussels) from 2026 onwards. This historic decision, motivated by budgetary reasons and local organisational constraints, completely changes the situation for regulars of the event.

Concretely, this means that the old landmarks, like the majestic start from Place De Brouckère or the triumphant finishes in the historic city centre, are no longer relevant. The organiser Golazo is currently working on a brand-new route that will highlight other municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region or the periphery.

For you, as future participants, the impact on your accommodation search is direct. It is imperative not to rush to book hotels in the city centre thinking you will be next to the starting line. At Roomlala, we advise you to favour flexible accommodation or wait for the official announcement of the new course before targeting a specific neighbourhood.

By opting for a homestay, you often benefit from more flexible cancellation terms or the possibility of discussing the best transport connections (STIB metro, tram) with your host to reach the future start village, regardless of its final location.

Why do hotel prices skyrocket during the marathon?

It is an economic reality well known to sports travellers: during major events, hotel rates soar. The phenomenon of 'yield management' (dynamic pricing) practised by hotel chains means that prices increase automatically as room availability decreases. For sports event accommodation in Belgium, the bill can quickly become expensive.

During the marathon weekend, it is not uncommon to see the price of a standard hotel room in Brussels double or even triple compared to a typical autumn weekend. Hoteliers know that demand is inelastic: registered runners must find somewhere to sleep. This 'marathon tax' weighs heavily on the overall budget for your race, which already includes the race number, transport and equipment.

Furthermore, hotels often impose very strict conditions during these periods of high demand. You might face minimum stay requirements (compulsory two or three nights) or non-refundable cancellation policies. If you get injured during your preparation and have to cancel your participation, you risk losing the entire amount of your hotel booking.

Finally, the hotel experience is not always adapted to the specific needs of a marathon runner. Noise in the corridors, the inability to cook your own meals, or the stress of rushed check-outs on Sunday morning after the race are all factors that can hinder your recovery and overall performance.

The homestay: The ideal solution for marathon runners

Faced with soaring prices and hotel constraints, renting a room from a local via Roomlala stands out as a top-tier alternative. It is a solution that puts people back at the heart of your trip while offering you undeniable practical advantages for approaching your 42 kilometres in the best possible conditions.

Substantial savings for your accommodation in Brussels

The primary motivation for choosing a homestay in Brussels is obviously financial. By renting a room from a private individual, you avoid hotel speculation. Hosts on Roomlala generally offer fair and stable rates throughout the year, based on the actual cost of living and not on a profit-maximising algorithm.

On average, our users find that staying in a homestay costs between 40% and 60% less than a hotel room of equivalent comfort during a major event. This substantial saving allows you to significantly lighten the total cost of your marathon weekend.

What to do with this saved money? You could invest it in a better pair of running shoes, treat yourself to a well-deserved recovery massage after the race, or simply enjoy Brussels' gastronomy (a delicious waffle or a Trappist beer to celebrate your medal!).

Let's take the example of Sarah, an amateur runner from Lyon. In 2024, she booked two nights with a Brussels host via Roomlala for 90 euros in total, whereas hotels in the neighbourhood were displaying prices around 250 euros for the same duration. This saving of 160 euros allowed her to bring her partner, who was able to support her along the side of the road.

The essential logistical advantages (Kitchen and schedule)

The secret to a successful marathon often lies in the 24 hours preceding the starting gun. Nutrition is a key performance factor. By staying at a hotel, you are often forced to look for an Italian restaurant the night before for your traditional 'pasta party', with the risk of not finding a table or eating a meal that is too rich.

By renting a homestay, you generally have access to your host's kitchen. You can thus prepare your pre-race meal yourself, weigh your carbohydrates, use your own ingredients and avoid any risk of digestive issues. It is an immense psychological comfort to know that you are in control of your diet right to the end.

The morning of the race is just as crucial. A marathon start is often early (around 9:00 am). It is recommended to eat your final meal three hours before the exertion, i.e., around 6:00 am. Most hotels only serve breakfast from 7:00 am or 7:30 am, which is much too late for a runner. With your host, you can get up at 5:30 am, prepare your coffee and toast in complete tranquillity in the kitchen, without waking anyone up.

Furthermore, staying with a local in Brussels means benefiting from the advice of an expert. Your host will be able to show you the quickest way to reach the start, warn you about metro stations closed for the event, or lend you an umbrella if the Belgian weather turns capricious during your warm-up.

How to choose your accommodation with Roomlala?

Now that you are convinced of the benefits of a homestay, here are our practical tips for choosing your accommodation on Roomlala, taking into account the specifics of the Brussels Marathon 2026.

First of all, anticipate the uncertainty linked to the new course. Since the City of Brussels will no longer be crossed, favour peripheral municipalities that are very well served by the public transport network (STIB). Municipalities like Schaerbeek, Ixelles, Etterbeek or Woluwe-Saint-Lambert have excellent metro and tram connections, guaranteeing you will be able to reach any starting point easily.

When searching on our platform, use our filters to find the perfect accommodation. Check carefully that the listing mentions access to the kitchen. Do not hesitate to read the reviews of previous tenants to ensure the peace and quiet of the accommodation: a good night's sleep is essential the night before an endurance event.

Communication is the key to a successful stay. Before finalising your booking, send a message to the host to explain the purpose of your stay. Specify that you are participating in the marathon, that you will need to get up very early on Sunday morning and need to cook the night before. Roomlala hosts are generally very understanding and delighted to welcome athletes. Some might even come to cheer you on from the side of the road!

Finally, regarding security and the legal framework, Roomlala protects you. All transactions are carried out securely on the platform, and payments are only released to the host after your arrival. You benefit from a guarantee and a responsive customer service team if needed. By booking via our platform, you ensure a stay without unpleasant surprises, allowing you to focus 100% of your energy on your sporting goal: crossing the finish line of the Brussels Marathon 2026!

• Flexibility: Adapt to the new course by choosing accommodation that is well served by public transport.
• Savings: Protect your budget by avoiding overtaxed hotel rates.
• Nutrition: Cook your own pre-race meals thanks to kitchen access.
• Rest: Enjoy the quiet of private accommodation and manage your wake-up time without constraints.