A look back at past nights full of emotions
Euphoria, effort, joy and total exhaustion. All of these are emotions that the ING Night Marathon has already caused. On Saturday evening (7 p.m.) the starting shot of the 18th edition of the night race is found at the Luxexpo/The Box.
Around 17,000 participants from 117 nations have registered. 68 music hotspots will support the runners along the route. Chief organizer Erich François can look forward to. The event is sold out for the first time since Corona pandemic.
Before the runners meander through the quarter of the capital again, a look back is worthwhile. The memories of the past few years should flare up again.
euphoria
The shoes are bound, the time measurement is activated, you can start. Every year, thousands of participants find their way to the starting line. Some want to prove something themselves, others push the race as a training course in their full calendar.
The ambitions may be different. But what unites all runners is the will to achieve their personal goal. They are supported by numerous music groups, helpers and well -known faces on the route that cheer them on their way. However, if the anticipation is history and the first kilometers, the euphoria quickly gives way to a different feeling.
effort
It is not surprising that such a physical stress, especially on the two longest distances (half marathon and marathon), is enormously on the forces. For example, some athletes were clearly viewed by the agony of the multi -hour run during the past editions.
Joy
However, if the finish line is within sight, there is no stopping. The emotions break out of the runners. A scream of joy here, torn arms there or just a cautious smile that comes over the lips of the athletes.
It is unusual that the feeling of happiness only lasts for a short moment. For Yannick Lieners, this became a reality in 2018. So the Luxembourg was already the winner at the half marathon, but was bitterly disappointed at the finish line. When the 37-year-old now bent around the last curve, the final mark was missing: the winning band.
How to find the best shoe for the night marathon
That had a reason. Lieners simply crossed the finish line in second, after assuming during the entire race. So his joy was probably the greatest so far, for the fact that he “only” ran on the silver rank.
The start times
On Saturday:
6:00 p.m.: Roll & Run (7.3 km/start on the Glacis)
7 p.m.: Marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.0975 km) and Team Run (42.195 km in four sections)
7.30 p.m.: Minimarathon (4.2 km)
19.40: Mini-minimarathon (1 km)
October 20: 5k Run for Success (5 km/start in front of the Mudam)
Proud
Fortunately, this faux pas remained an isolated case. Because the pride of your own performance usually prevails, especially among amateur runners. So also in 2023, as Rhine completed its first 42.195 kilometers.
At that time he was supported by his friend and running coach Yves Ostermann. After 30 kilometers on the route, there were initially doubts about the reach of the Luxexpo. The target was uncertain. After all, they crossed the finish line together. Ostermann was visibly touched and satisfied with the performance of his protégé.
Yves Ostermann (right) was proud of the performance of change rhymes. Photo: Marc Wilwert
Relief
Chris Kipchen probably had a similar feeling at the end of the 2017 race. After reaching the finish line as the second Luxembourg, he sank visibly relieved on the blue carpet. In contrast to many other participants, however, more with luck about the good positioning than with joy over the end of the race.
exhaustion
However, these should feel the athletes who had to go to the limit to end the run. When the body hurts, the heart beats up to the neck and every meter is too much, only the saving finish line helps.
In order to counter exhaustion, the athletes have often searched for the massage bank in recent years. However, some symptoms could not alleviate doctors and physiotherapists. After such a physical performance, the stomach can finally play crazy.
Community
If the body could recover a little, it is time to celebrate and enjoy the rest of the evening. A community arises, not only on, but also next to the route. People come together in the capital to celebrate running, but also to experience and share unforgettable moments.
The story of the night marathon had many emotions to offer. Positive, like negative. Which face will come to light this year will be shown on Saturday when the city is immersed again in bright orange and deep blue.
The most important information
The capital should remain as accessible as possible on Saturday. Parking along the route is allowed (as long as the signage does not say the opposite). If you park along the route, you will not be able to move your vehicle during the race. Drivers can cross the route at 40 strategic places. The urban buses will go to the normal bus plans until 6 p.m. (in Kirchberg and Limpertsberg only until 4 p.m.).
The tram will be on the move to promote athletes and spectators from the P&R systems that can be used free of charge for 24 hours for 24 hours to glacis or to the LuxExpo. However, between 6.40pm and 7.30pm the tram will not drive to the find. And between 19.10 and 21.20 it does not run between the stations « Faïencerie » and « Theater ». The last tram will start moving at 2:30 p.m. at the LuxExpo.
The organizer and the city of Luxembourg are reminiscent of the fact that public transport is the most convenient alternative to pursue the event in the city center. All important information can be found on the Marathon.vdl.lu, Ing-Night-Marathon.lu and Luxtram.lu website.
