MB2F 2026 FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About the Marathon Bière Flandres Festival

When will MB2F 2026 take place?
The 3rd edition of the Marathon Bière Flandres Festival (MB2F) will take place on September 26 and 27, 2026, in Bergues, northern France, in the heart of French Flanders. All three races will take place on Sunday, September 27.

 

What is the Marathon Bière Flandres Festival?
MB2F is a sporting and festive event held in Bergues and across French Flanders. It combines running, Flemish heritage, entertainment, local beer tastings and the MB2F Beer Festival.

 

What races are available at MB2F 2026?
Three distances are available:

• Le Ballon: 13 km, starting in Bergues at 1:00 p.m.

• Le Demi: 21.1 km half-marathon, starting in Esquelbecq at 9:00 a.m.

• La Pinte: 42.2 km marathon, starting in Bergues at 10:00 a.m.

All three races take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

 

Where does MB2F take place?
MB2F takes place in the heart of French Flanders, mainly around Bergues. The courses take runners through the Flemish countryside and several villages. The half-marathon starts in Esquelbecq, while the 13 km and marathon both start in Bergues.

 

Where is the finish line for the races?
All three races finish in Bergues at Saint-Winoc Abbey, which is also home to the MB2F finish village.

Race start times and locations

 

What time does the MB2F 13 km race start?
Le Ballon, the MB2F 13 km race, will start at 1:00 p.m. in Bergues on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

What time does the half-marathon start?
Le Demi, the 21.1 km half-marathon, will start at 9:00 a.m. in Esquelbecq on Sunday, September 27.

 

What time does the Bergues Marathon start?
La Pinte, the MB2F 42.2 km marathon, will start at 10:00 a.m. in Bergues on Sunday, September 27.

How early should I arrive before the start?
Participants must enter the start area 20 minutes before their race begins. Final race instructions will be given approximately 15 minutes before the start.

 

Are there any time limits?
Yes.

For the 13 km race, runners must finish before 4:30 p.m.

For the half-marathon:

• km 13.2: before 1:30 p.m.

• Finish: before 4:30 p.m.

For the marathon:

• km 21.1: before 1:30 p.m.

• km 30.1: before 3:00 p.m.

• Finish: before 5:00 p.m.

 

Registration

How old do I need to be to take part in MB2F?
The minimum age is:

• 16 for the 13 km race;

• 18 for the half-marathon;

• 20 for the marathon.

Participants under the age of 18 taking part in the 13 km race are not allowed to consume alcohol.

What are the entry fees for MB2F 2026?
The announced entry fees are:

• 13 km: €32

• Half-marathon: €45

• Marathon: €75

 

Can I register on race day?
No. No registrations or race bib collections will be possible on Sunday, September 27, the day of the races.

 

Can I give my race bib to someone else?
No. Race bibs cannot be transferred between participants unless the change is officially made through the registration provider. Running with someone else’s bib can cause serious identification issues, particularly in the event of an accident.

 

Can I change my race distance after registering?
For any request regarding a change of distance, an incomplete registration or any other registration issue, please contact the registration provider at info@prolivesport.fr.

 

Can I get a refund if I can no longer take part?
Registration is, in principle, personal, final and non-refundable.

However, an optional cancellation insurance can be purchased when registering. It costs €12 and, subject to the conditions set out in the race regulations, allows participants to receive a refund in the event of a medically justified issue.

For the 2026 edition, refund requests with the required medical documentation must be submitted no later than September 5, 2026.

PPS, licences and required documents

 

Do I need a medical certificate to take part in MB2F?
For adult participants who do not hold a valid FFA licence, the applicable requirement is now the Pass Prévention Santé (PPS) provided by the French Athletics Federation.

Accepted and valid FFA licences also allow participants to take part in accordance with the applicable regulations.

 

What is the Pass Prévention Santé (PPS)?
The Pass Prévention Santé is a system introduced by the French Athletics Federation, particularly for adult runners who do not hold an FFA licence and wish to take part in running competitions.

It can be obtained online after completing a health and sports awareness programme.

 

What is required for participants under 18?
Participants under 18 do not complete the same Pass Prévention Santé as adults. A specific, free health questionnaire is available through the PPS platform and must be completed with the involvement of a parent or legal guardian. The certificate issued is valid for the relevant competition.

 

Race Bib Collection

When can I collect my race bib?
Race bibs for all three races can be collected:

• Friday, September 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Where can I collect my race bib?
Race bib collection will take place at Saint-Winoc Abbey in Bergues, at the race finish and Festival site.

 

Can I collect my race bib on Sunday morning?
No. Race bibs will not be distributed on Sunday, the day of the races. You must therefore collect your bib on Friday or Saturday.

Tastings and Refreshment Stations

 

Do I have to drink beer to take part in MB2F?
No. Drinking beer is absolutely not compulsory. The tastings are part of the festive atmosphere of the event, but every participant is free to choose not to drink alcohol.

 

Can participants under 18 take part in the beer tastings?
No. Alcoholic beverage tastings are strictly reserved for participants aged 18 and over.

 

How many tasting stops are there along the courses?
According to the 2026 race regulations:

• 13 km: 4 tasting stops

• Half-marathon: 7 tasting stops

• Marathon: 15 tasting stops

 

How many refreshment stations are there?
According to the 2026 race regulations:

• 13 km: 2 refreshment stations

• Half-marathon: 5 refreshment stations

• Marathon: 9 refreshment stations

The refreshment stations provide water as well as energy foods, fruit and biscuits.

 

Do I need to bring my own cup?
Yes. MB2F is committed to reducing waste. Runners must use a reusable container, such as an eco-cup, hydration bladder or water bottle. No disposable cups are provided at the refreshment stations.

Fancy Dress and Atmosphere

 

Do I have to wear fancy dress to run MB2F?
No. Fancy dress is not compulsory, but it is strongly encouraged and is part of the festive spirit of MB2F. Accessories are allowed as long as they do not interfere with the safe and smooth running of the race.

 

Is MB2F an officially timed race?
Yes. Despite its festive atmosphere, MB2F is electronically timed using timing chips. Checkpoints are located along the courses, and individual, overall and age-category rankings are established.

 

Are there any prizes?
Yes. Prizes are awarded, particularly to the top overall finishers. All finishers also receive the finisher gifts included with their race.

Rules on the Courses

 

Can I run with my dog?
No. Dogs and other animals are not allowed on any MB2F race, even on a leash.

 

Are walking poles allowed?
No. Walking or trekking poles are not permitted.

 

Can someone follow me on a bicycle?
No. Supporters are not allowed to follow runners by bike or mountain bike along the courses.

 

Can I receive personal assistance during the race?
No. Outside personal assistance is not permitted except within the official refreshment areas provided by the organisers.

 

What should I do if I withdraw from the race?
If you withdraw, you must inform the person in charge at the nearest checkpoint and hand in your race bib.

 

Are there toilets available?
Yes. Toilets are available near the start and finish areas, as well as near some of the main refreshment stations.

Access, Parking and Shuttle Buses

 

Where can I park for MB2F?
Bergues town centre will be closed to traffic during the event. Parking will be available at shopping areas around Bergues, particularly near the E.Leclerc shopping centre in Quaëdypre. Signs will direct participants to the different parking areas.

 

Can I drive into Bergues on race day?
Traffic will be heavily restricted and Bergues town centre will be closed to vehicles during the event. Participants are advised to use the designated parking areas and walk to the start and finish areas.

 

How do I get to the half-marathon start in Esquelbecq?
A shuttle bus service will take half-marathon participants from the Bergues area to the start in Esquelbecq. The shuttle buses will depart from the E.Leclerc shopping centre car park in Quaëdypre.

 

Where does the half-marathon finish?
Although it starts in Esquelbecq, the half-marathon finishes in Bergues at Saint-Winoc Abbey, just like all the other MB2F races.

Para Sport

Is MB2F accessible to people with disabilities?
The organisers aim to make the event accessible to people with disabilities. Participation using a joëlette or an all-terrain wheelchair, accompanied by runners, is permitted. Participants will start at the back of the field.

We recommend contacting the organisers in advance to make the necessary arrangements and ensure the best possible race experience.

 

Beer Festival

When does the MB2F Beer Festival take place?
The Beer Festival starts on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 11:00 p.m. It continues throughout Sunday, September 27, and ends at 6:00 p.m., at the same time as the event.

 

Where does the Festival take place?
The Festival takes place in Bergues, around Saint-Winoc Abbey, near the race finish area.

 

Can I attend the Festival without taking part in a race?
Yes! The MB2F Festival welcomes runners, friends, families and visitors. You can enjoy the MB2F atmosphere without taking part in any of the races.

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What can I find at the MB2F Festival?
The Festival features breweries, tasting areas, food trucks, traditional French fry stands, entertainment and live music. An open-air concert is also scheduled for Saturday evening.

Staying in Bergues

 

Where can I stay for MB2F?
Hotels, B&Bs and holiday rentals are available in Bergues and the surrounding towns and villages. We recommend booking well in advance due to the large number of runners and visitors expected over the weekend.

 

Can I visit Bergues during the MB2F weekend?
Yes. Bergues is a historic fortified town in French Flanders, famous for its ramparts, its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Belfry, its carillon and the former Saint-Winoc Abbey.

MB2F is also a great opportunity to discover Bergues and the picturesque Flemish villages along the race courses.

 

Contact

Who should I contact if I have a registration issue?
For questions regarding an incomplete registration, a change of race distance or a registration confirmation email, please contact the registration team at info@prolivesport.fr.

 

Where can I find official information and updates?
Official information about the courses, schedules, race regulations, access, registration and organisation is published on the MB2F website.

As the race regulations may be updated before the event, we recommend checking the website regularly in the run-up to MB2F weekend.