This route combines two separate, and adjacent, lake loops and is among the most popular spots to run in Ghent. The Watersportbaan is a man-made lake that looks more like a canal. It’s a major rowing and water sports center. A loop around, on a soft surface consisting of wooden chips, is almost exactly 5 km, using the Noorderlaan (north) and Zuiderlaan (south) sides. You’ll pass rowing clubs, and the Topsporthal sports hall.
Blaarmeersen Lake
As an option, our route includes a 3 km loop around the Blaarmeersen lake. There’s a dedicated path, and it’s quite pretty. In summer, there’s a popular beach. Use the Vissersdijk path to connect from Watersportbaan to Blaarmeersen. Just east of Blaarmeersen, there’s a great outdoor running track, in the Gent Rugby Club.
Add-On: Just northwest of Watersportbaan is the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature preserve, which has several km of lovely paths for running. Or, add on the Leie River paths, just south.
This route combines two separate, and adjacent, lake loops and is among the most popular spots to run in Ghent. The Watersportbaan is a man-made lake that looks more like a canal. It’s a major rowing and water sports center. A loop around, on a soft surface consisting of wooden chips, is almost exactly 5 km, using the Noorderlaan (north) and Zuiderlaan (south) sides. You’ll pass rowing clubs, and the Topsporthal sports hall.
Blaarmeersen Lake
As an option, our route includes a 3 km loop around the Blaarmeersen lake. There’s a dedicated path, and it’s quite pretty. In summer, there’s a popular beach. Use the Vissersdijk path to connect from Watersportbaan to Blaarmeersen. Just east of Blaarmeersen, there’s a great outdoor running track, in the Gent Rugby Club.
Add-On: Just northwest of Watersportbaan is the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature preserve, which has several km of lovely paths for running. Or, add on the Leie River paths, just south.
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Essentials
Combined route is 8.7 km (5.4 miles). Watersportbaan is a 5k loop, and Blaarmeersen is 3k.
A 10 km 'runseeing' tour of Ghent, featuring many of the city's scenic and historical highlights. Much of the old town is a pedestrian zone. Includes a ~2 km jaunt out to Citadel Park, and paths along the water.
One of several enjoyable waterside running options in Ghent. This one follows paths along the Leie River, just south of Old Town. 6 km out and back on each side of the river. Add Blaarmeersen, Watersportbaan, or Coupure for a longer run.
Popular bike bath that's also good for running. Tree-lined, with nice older homes on each side. It's 1.5 km to Groenevalleipark, where a ~1 km loop can be added around pleasant paths. Good add-on options.
Nice opportunity for some gentle trail running in this 220-hectare wetlands area just west of town. Marshy meadows, fields, woodland. There are three marked trails. Can put together a 7-8 km loop.
Pastoral running in this district of Ghent located on the west side of the Ringvaart. Pleasant, fairly quiet roads and paths passing farms and fields. Create your own route, including some sections of paths & Dijkweg along the Leie river.
A great place for some trail running and also a work in progress. Long-term plan is for this area to be 1200 hectares. Several sections are currently open, the most developed of which is Portaal Grand Noble.
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Essentials
Combined route is 8.7 km (5.4 miles). Watersportbaan is a 5k loop, and Blaarmeersen is 3k.
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!