Autumn is just around the corner. The summer heat is behind us, and the winter chill is still a while away. That makes autumn the perfect time to go for a run. The beautiful colours and the crisp leaves crunching under your feet give you that extra bit of motivation. So put on your trainers, take a breath of fresh air and discover Groningen whilst you run. We’ve put together a list of five running routes for you.
4 mijl Kardinge | Escape the hustle and bustle
A green oasis just outside Groningen: Kardinge. From the start, this 4-mile route is a delight. But before you marvel at the beauty of the Groningen landscape: shoes and outfit... check? Let's go! With each stap, you leave the hustle and bustle of the city further behind you, supported by the flow of the Kardingermaar. The Noordermolen kindly greets you with its sails, and along the way you pass several works of art. The final stretch leads through the Beijumer forest. As the sun shines its most beautiful orange glow through the branches, you walk the 6.72 kilometres whistling.
4 miles Stadspark | Back garden of the city
In the south-west of the city lies the Stadspark, a place where everyone can go for sport, fun and relaxation. The start of this 4-mile route is at the skate track on Concourslaan and takes you towards the city's allotments. Along the way, be extra careful of flying discs - as the park has a real disc golf course - or one of the large grazing Scottish Highlanders. Cross a residential area, run along the Ruskenveenseplas and take in the fresh scent of the ecological Heemtuin. The varied spots ensure that no two metres are the same. Along the way, Stadjers and students in the park give you that extra push.
4 mijl Zernike Campus | High-tech Groningen
The Zernike Campus. Who doesn't know it? It is the place where you, as a student or entrepreneur, have surely been at least once. A place full of innovation. You start the route on the Jaagpad, which runs parallel to the Reitdiep. A big advantage of this route is that there are many long, straight stretches, just like the official 4 Mile from Haren to Groningen. As you walk further and further into the greenery, the fresh breeze from the Reitdiep provides a boost of energy. You're halfway there! The large ships in the Van Starkenborghkanaal show you the way, and you set course towards Paddepoelsterweg. Here, green treetops alternate with modern buildings. As you walk along the Duisenberg pond, you think back to your former study days or the many hours you will still spend in the lecture halls.
4 mijl Groningen diepen | Past all the hotspots
This route takes you past Groningen's depths and the city's many hotspots, where you are not only active, but also surprised again and again. The route starts at the imposing main train station and soon takes you to the picturesque warehouses on the Hoge and Lage der A. Here, the historical cobblestones require a little extra attention, but soon you are walking on a more comfortable path, surrounded by birdsong and the atmosphere of the Noorderplantsoen. This green heart of the city offers a refreshing break before you continue your way past the UMCG, towards the atmospheric houseboats on the Schuitendiep. Follow the flow of the connecting canal, and who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of the iconic Peerd van Ome Loeks in the distance.
The Green 4 Miles | De Onlanden
Under the smoke of the city of Groningen lie the Onlanden, a relatively young nature reserve. Here you will find rough hay meadows, swamp forest and the 'green 4 miles'. After fifteen minutes of cycling from the city, you arrive at De Onlanderij. From here, you walk into the nature reserve, where various birds greet you with their chirping. Music is therefore superfluous. This area serves as a water storage area for the city. During prolonged, heavy rainfall, it ensures that Groningers keep their feet dry. All this water creates swampy nature, so wet feet are not out of the question on the route. Halfway, you can already see watchtower 'Het Beeld' towering above the greenery. An ideal place to catch your breath and take in the nature reserve. Via the Madijk, you walk back towards De Onlanderij, where the smell of coffee and cake awaits you.
For the seasoned runner looking for more kilometres, Groningen is also absolutely the place. If you are looking for a route closer to the city, a run through the green Noorderplantsoen or Pioenpark is also lovely. If you are looking for adventure further afield, the Lettelberterpetten and the Onnerpolder are absolute musts.
