On the day of the 20 km of Brussels, there are two types of heroes: those who run … and those who shout their name at the right moment, in the right place, armed with a snack and an encouraging signboard.

This year, there’s no need to pick just one spot to support your loved ones. We’ve put together a simple itinerary by metro and bus so you can see the runners pass by at several points, without turning your day into an obstacle course. That way, you can save your energy for what really matters: clapping, waving, taking the blurry but emotional photo, and shouting: “come on, only a few kilometres to go!”

Before the start: meet at Schuman

C’est l’endroit idéal pour dire au revoir avant la course, souhaiter bon courage et vérifier que tout le monde a bien son dossard, ses chaussures et son mental de winner. Merode est aussi une option, mais l’endroit risque d’être un peu plus fréquenté. Et quand on veut retrouver quelqu’un avec une casquette blanche au milieu de milliers de casquettes blanches… autant se faciliter la vie.

It’s the perfect place to say goodbye before the race, wish them good luck, and check that everyone has their race number, shoes and winner’s mindset. Merode is also an option, but it’s likely to be a bit more crowded. And when you’re trying to find someone in a white cap among thousands of white caps… why not make life easier for yourself?

First spot : rue Belliard, to get into the mood

Depuis Schuman, prenez le métro 1 ou 5 en direction de Gare de l’Ouest jusqu’à Arts-Loi. Le trajet dure environ 2 minutes. Ensuite, comptez 8 minutes de marche jusqu’à la rue Belliard.

C’est le moment parfait pour lancer les premiers encouragements. Les jambes des coureurs sont encore fraîches, les sourires sont encore naturels, et personne ne fait encore semblant de ne pas vous entendre. Profitez-en : c’est généralement là que vos “allez, super rythme !” ont le plus de chances d’être accueillis avec un vrai signe de la main.

First spot: Rue Belliard, to soak up the atmosphere

From Schuman, take metro line 1 or 5 towards Gare de l’Ouest and alight at Arts-Loi. The journey takes around 2 minutes. Then it takes an 8 minutes walk to Rue Belliard.

This is the perfect time to launch your first cheers. The runners’ legs are still fresh, the smiles aren’t forced, and no one is pretending not to hear you yet. Savour this moment: this is usually when your “come on, great pace!” has the best chance of being met with an actual thumbs up.

Second spot : Bailli, an extra boost for the runners

After Rue Belliard, head to Trône and take bus 54 towards Forest (Bervoets) as far as Bailli. The journey takes around 8 minutes and the bus runs approximately every 15 minutes.

At Bailli, you’re well placed to provide a second boost. This is the kind of moment when seeing a familiar face again can make all the difference. One tip: plan a distinctive sign. A colourful scarf, a signboard, an agreed upon rallying cry: anything goes, as long as your hero doesn’t have to scan every face as if they were looking for their suitcase at the airport.

Third stop: head to Delta, then go for Demey or Herrmann-Debroux

From Bailli, walk around 7 minutes to Flagey. From there, take bus 71 towards Delta. The journey takes about 16 minutes and the line runs approximately every 7 minutes. At Delta, take metro line 5 towards Herrmann-Debroux. In 4 minutes, you can reach Demey or Herrmann-Debroux.

A useful “side-note”: Demey is on the left-hand side of the track, while Herrmann-Debroux is on the right-hand side. So, before the race, agree on which side to choose, especially if your mission involves handing over a banana, filming a video or shouting a name in the right place. At this stage of the race, every bit of encouragement counts. Even a “you’re amazing!” shouted at complete strangers is part of the unique charm of the day.

Final stage: back to Merode

After this stretch, take metro line 5 towards Erasme. From Demey or Herrmann-Debroux, it takes around 9 minutes to reach Merode. Now you’re back near the Cinquantenaire, ready to meet the runners after their effort, cheer the finishers and listen to the detailed account of “hitting the wall” at kilometre 17.

And your ticket ? Beep, and you’re sorted

The easiest way to get around that day is contactless payment. Bank card, smartphone or smartwatch: tap in, hop on, cheer away. No need to queue at a vending machine or rummage for a ticket at the bottom of a pocket full of tissues, cereal bars and good intentions. Contactless payment allows you to breeze though the validators using your bank card, smartphone or smartwatch.

Ultimately, the 20 km of Brussels is a race, but it’s also a great day of cheer(s). So come along with us, pick the right spots, move easily from one point to the next and give your loved ones that extra boost of energy that no stopwatch in the world can ever measure.