ING Night Marathon in Luxembourg is one of the toughest in Europe

On Saturday evening, the 18th ING Night Marathon, the country's biggest sporting event, will kick off in the capital of Luxembourg. This year, more than 17,000 runners will take to the start line and up to 100,000 spectators will support them along the course. Organising such a large-scale event will require 1,300 volunteers along the entire route.

For Frédéric Guichan, a French-German who has lived in Luxembourg for more than 20 years, the marathon has become part of his life. At 62, he is taking part in the race for the fifth time. According to him, the course is not an easy one. "This is one of the toughest marathons in Europe! The last ten kilometres are uphill. Last year I saw one runner just collapse from cramps, and I myself barely made it to the finish line," he recalls. Despite the fatigue, his recovery went well, and he is here again.

Frederik admits that training requires a serious approach. He trains five times a week, combining different levels of exertion. On the course itself, he has a clear strategy: drink water at every refreshment point and eat every eight kilometres. It was this system that helped him set a personal best of 3 hours 59 minutes. This year he chose the half marathon to run with his two sons: "No pressure, just for the experience of running together".

But a marathon is not just about numbers. The atmosphere is what truly draws participants in again and again. "It's not just a race, it's a holiday! Along the whole course - crowds of people who support without getting tired. The organisation is top-notch, without it, this scale would not be possible," says Frederik.

He laughs, remembering how every year after the finish line he thinks: "Never again". But after a few days, he starts looking forward to the next race.