Course

Map of the course: click here
Short description of the route.
The Flanders Fields Marathon runs through the flat landscape of the Westhoek, with its magnificent and wide views and the historical heritage of World War One.
The departure is on the marketplace of Diksmuide, famous for the tower of the Belfort, the Beguinage and the Sint-Niklaas church.
Along small roads alongside the river IJzer passes the reserve "de kleiputten" and passing by the picturesque village of Stuivekenskerke. The marathon returns to the IJzer at the corner of the "Trench of Death", and reaches the city of Diksmuide. Other historical sites are the "Peace Gate" and the "IJzer Tower" which is a Flemish memorial and a message of peace in Europe.
"The Blankaart", at the left, is another nature reserve in the valley of the IJzer. The marathon route goes further through the former fortress "Knokkebridge". We leave the "IJzer "and run along the "Ieperlee" towards "Steenstraete", and pass the statue of "the brothers Van Raemdonck."
"Steenstraete" is known for its memorial to 6000 Belgian soldiers killed in 1915 in the first poison gas attack. Passing through Boezinge and running along the canal Ieper-IJzer, we see many international military cemeteries, such as the "John McRae-memorial", Talana Farm, the Welsh Cemetry, Bard Cottage, Essex Farm and several others reminding visitors of the turbulent past of the Westhoek.
At the end of the canal we enter the charming historical city of Ypres, the middle ages Town of Cloth. Through the monumental Menin Gate, we run towards the finish line at the fabulous central market place with the impressive Cloth Hall, the Tower of the Belfort, and the 'In Flanders Fields' museum.
The "In Flanders Fields-marathon" runs through a flat and open landscape, follows mostly rivers and passes through picturesque small villages and historical towns.
The many war memorials remember the thousands of soldiers from all over the world who offered their life in the Westhoek.
"We shall remember them"