Running races next year

After a quiet January, it's time to look ahead to a sporty 2026. From running through the city and nature to an overnight trail through the Stadspark, in Groningen there are countless opportunities to achieve your running goals. Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting out, there is always a challenge to suit you. Here are the highlights of the upcoming running year.

Lagro Ebens Night of Groningen | Uptempo through the Groningen night

7 February (sold out) - With 2025 still fresh in your memory, get ready for the 24th edition of the Lagro Ebens Night of Groningen. On 7 February, you will run hard through the city while it is dark. While running, you will be encouraged at the Lagro Ebens cheering point. The DJ will spin a nice uptempo beat to keep your pace up and give you extra energy. You start at the Grote Markt and finish at the Martinitoren. After all those kilometres, d'Olle Grieze is even more beautiful. Tired but fulfilled, that is the feeling you want to experience.

Haren Half Marathon | For forty years the spring classic

7 March (sold out) - Run through the beautiful Hondsrug landscape during the Haren Half Marathon On Saturday 7 March, the Haren Half Marathon celebrates its 41st edition, a great opportunity to run through the breathtaking nature of the Noordlaarderbos and the Vijftig Bunder. Get carried away by the green surroundings and feel how each stap brings you closer to your goal. Whether you are going for a fast time or just want to enjoy the beautiful course, one thing is certain: you will run in good company. Because who knows, you might be overtaken by Arjen Robben - an avid participant and lightning fast on running shoes.

Leekster Lente Loop | A spring feeling in the Leekstermeer area

21 March - Feel the energy of spring in Groningen during the Leekster Lente Loop. With every stap through the beautiful Landgoed Nienoord and the Leekstermeer area, and with every breath of fresh spring air, you will run just a little faster. This annual running and walking sports event offers something for everyone: from the half marathon to the 10 km, 5 km and youth races. Prefer walking? Then choose a 10 km or 25 km run and enjoy at your own pace. What makes this run extra special? The proceeds go to a good cause. So you're not only doing sport, but also contributing to something beautiful. Let your feet do the work!

Urban Trail Groningen | An exploration of the city, architecture and nature

22 March - As spring begins in Groningen and the sun shows itself, it's time for a unique running experience: the Urban Trail Groningen. This surprising trail celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and leads you past, over and through iconic locations in the city. For instance, you might run right through the library, where you normally have to be quiet and focused. Especially for the anniversary, there is an extra-long anniversary distance of about 15 to 16 kilometres. This route offers the chance to discover even more iconic buildings, hidden gems and surprising passages.

The Fat Ten | Soamen zwaiten

10 May - That the Groningen countryside is beautiful is something many of you already know, but when you run through it, you realise this all the more. The Dikke Tien is inextricably linked to Mother's Day and a run that drags you through every bend, with a surprise around the corner. This year marks the 6th edition. Will you go for the half marathon or still go for the 5 km, 10 km or the Kidsrun? Make your mum proud or enjoy the wide open countryside while you are sporting. Swing together!

Groningen marathon | Run through green nature and the heart of the city

31 May - This year sees the first edition of the Marathon of Groningen, a unique running event that combines everything that makes Groningen so special: from the vast surrounding countryside to the bustling city centre. The course takes you on an unforgettable route: from the Zernike Campus you run through picturesque Dorkwerd, along the green Noorderplantsoen, right through the atmospheric city centre towards the Hoornseplas. A race full of variety and experience, ideal for experienced runners, enthusiastic beginners and anyone who wants to be sporty with their family.

RUN Winschoten | The ultrarunning event of the Netherlands

12 September - RUN Winschoten is the ultimate challenge for runners. The annual Dutch 50 and 100-kilometre championships are held here, which means you can run among the national top - or cheer them on. But even if you are not an ultra runner, there is plenty to do. With various distances and sections, such as the LutjeRUN for the youngest runners, this is an event for everyone. Whether you are training for an international race or just want to experience the special atmosphere: RUN Winschoten offers the perfect mix of sport, competition and experience.

4 Mile of Groningen | The biggest running festival in the Northern Netherlands

11 October - The 4 Mile of Groningen is the running classic of the North. From Haren to Groningen, you run 6.44 kilometres in one straight line towards the city centre. But make no mistake: this run can be treacherous. Along the route are thousands of spectators, who help you forward with loud cheers and encouragement. The energy of the crowd gives you wings and almost makes you forget you are in the middle of a race. But then comes the infamous incline on Hereweg - a moment when many get tough. Hang on! Because once at the top, the reward awaits. The music from the bands along the route gives you the final boost. And as soon as you see de Akerk in the distance, you know: I'm almost there.

Plantsoenloop | The oldest and most beautiful of Groningen

7 November - Everyone in Groningen has stretched his or her legs in the Noorderplantsoen. This green piece of nature, in the middle of Groningen city, is therefore the perfect location for the Plantsoenloop. The Plantsoenloop is the oldest run in Groningen. The route follows the winding paths of the Noorderplantsoen and takes you over the sometimes tough hills, allowing you to experience the park in a completely different way. With distances ranging from 1 kilometre for the youngest participants to 8 kilometres for the advanced runners, this run is suitable for young and old.

Stadspark Nightrun | A festive evening run

13 December - The Stadspark in Groningen is sometimes already a maze during the day, let alone at night! The Stadspark Nightrun is for everyone who likes a bit of excitement: a perfect mix of sport, fun and spectacle. Whether you run 6 kilometres or go for the 11 kilometres, you will enjoy spectacular light animations, stirring music and surprising acts along the way. For the less fanatical runners: no time is kept, so the most important thing is that you enjoy yourself. Get out your most spectacular outfit and light up the Stadspark together.