Jack Bardakjian to Tackle Ghent Marathon This Sunday
28 March 2025
Jack Bardakjian, Group Managing Director and veteran of numerous road races, will be taking on the Ghent Marathon this Sunday, 30 March 2025. Known for his stamina and dedication to long-distance running, Jack’s return to competition is all the more remarkable, having recovered from double knee surgery.
The Ghent Marathon has become an increasingly popular fixture on the European running calendar, offering a picturesque yet demanding route. Starting near the Flanders Expo, runners will make their way through the city’s green outskirts, including the Blaarmeersen recreational park, before heading into the medieval heart of Ghent. The course passes by several of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Gravensteen Castle, a striking 12th-century fortress with a storied past, and St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to Jan van Eyck’s masterpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The final stretch leads runners back towards the Flanders Expo, where cheering crowds will await the finishers.
Beyond its historical charm, Ghent has a rich industrial heritage. Once a major centre for textile production, the city remains an economic hub with a thriving logistics sector and a growing reputation for biotechnology innovation. Its lively atmosphere, enhanced by charming canals and bustling squares, makes it a favourite destination for visitors.
And Jack’s marathon journey will not end in Ghent. In October, he plans to compete in the Lisbon Marathon, another scenic but demanding race, this time along Portugal’s Atlantic Coast.