What is the history of the ING Night Marathon Luxembourg?

It all started in 2006, when the financial group ING was actively running an international running program called “Globe Runners”. With this project, ING wanted to encourage everyone to improve their physical condition. Supporting the marathon in Luxembourg was therefore particularly in line with ING Luxembourg’s mission: to be THE partner of its customers, always at their side, supporting and advising them in their projects.
By being the main sponsor of this major Luxembourg sporting event until 2020, and by building on its experience, ING wishes to maintain its proximity to the public, to consolidate its position on the financial market and, of course, to promote sport and well-being for all.
Since its creation in 2006, the ING Night Marathon Luxembourg has been a growing success. Each year, the event is sold out and registrations are closed earlier and earlier, with waiting lists of several thousand candidates, waiting for a number in the various disciplines.

THE annual sports and festive event of the City of Luxembourg

Since its first edition, this This sporting event is always very popular with participants and supporters. The participants run through all the emblematic districts of Luxembourg City and the race is held at night, which adds to the charm of the event.
With a departure at 7pm at LuxExpo, the ING Marathon of Luxembourg allows the greatest number of people to follow the event and to enjoy the numerous musical and light animations on the course. The many entertainments organized for the occasion contribute to a friendly and ultra festive atmosphere throughout the day and evening. The Pétrusse Valley is illuminated for the occasion with colorful lanterns and participates in the magic of the moment.
For the runners, the experience is unique. Almost all along the route, there are samba bands, typical orchestras, DJs, etc. and thousands of supporters are present to encourage the athletes in the various races offered: marathon, half-marathon, mini-marathon, 5K for success, team run, roll & run, …
At nightfall, the end of the race takes place in a hyper festive atmosphere at Luxexpo in the Kirchberg district, totally redecorated for the occasion. Light shows, pyrotechnics, sound system are there to welcome each runner as it should be. An unforgettable finish for all runners, in a festive atmosphere and under the spotlight!

A rigorous organization under high security with more than 1,000 volunteers

The popularity of running in recent years has benefited the event. But its success is also due to the quality of the organization and the various facilities made available to the runners.
We must not forget the support set up around the race. More than 1,000 volunteers, the police, the fire department, the rescue services and the City of Luxembourg’s services are doing everything possible to contribute to the success of the event.
Setting up the event is a job that starts the day after the last edition for the organizing team!
As the main partner of the race, ING is in charge of the promotion of the event, the coordination of the visibility of ING and of the brand “ING Night Marathon Luxembourg” through the media, the public relations actions or the campaigns and street marketing actions before or during the event.
ING employees are mobilized to participate either as runners or as volunteers. Nearly a quarter of the staff is mobilized for this beautiful project, to ensure that the runners will be welcomed and supervised in the best conditions.
Sunshine, joy, fans pumped up to encourage our thousands of motivated runners. Each year, the concepts are rethought in order to innovate and to bring surprise to the regulars of the race, spectators and runners. Animations for children, interactive games using social networks, goodies, … the city of Luxembourg is dressed in the color orange to celebrate this event!

The ING Night Marathon, an intercultural event

The ING Night Marathon is an intercultural and intergenerational event. It welcomes not only runners from the Grand Duchy, of all nationalities, but also from neighbouring countries and even further afield. The youngest runner is 3 years old and the oldest 83 years old (Josy Simon who in 2013 set a new world record in the 100 km in the M80 category). More than 16,000 runners of all disciplines are expected each year.
In addition to the marathon and half-marathon events, many companies take advantage of this event to run in team runs . The ING Night Marathon Luxembourg has indeed become for many companies the sports event of the year not to be missed. The employees live a unique and sporty moment in teams. Before the day of the event, training sessions are organized in the company, sportswear is offered, and many other initiatives are taken by the employees in preparation.

Any advice for marathon participants, runners or spectators?

For runners who wish to participate in the event, one piece of advice: get there in time! As soon as registration opens in September, register at www.ing-night-marathon.lu .
For the spectators, don’t hesitate to take over the streets of Luxembourg City on the day of the event. Encourage the sportsmen, they need you and especially have fun!
Are you athletic and like challenges? Participate in the DKV Urban Trail and the Mullerthal Ultra Trail.

What are the leisure activities and outings not to be missed when you live in Luxembourg?