On Sunday, May 31, 2026, Groningen will be all about sport, perseverance, and community. Among all the runners, the recognizable pink of the Friends of the Beatrix Children’s Hospital will stand out. During the Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen, participants run not only to reach the finish line but also to support this important cause. Barbara Baijens, head of the Friends of the Beatrix Children’s Hospital Foundation, explains how crucial runners’ support is and where the sponsorship money goes.
“We raise funds to realize projects that are not covered by the hospital’s regular budget or health insurers,” Baijens explains. “We focus mainly on wellbeing and research. It’s all about helping children experience as little pain, fear, and stress as possible during their hospital stay.”
Tailored distraction and relaxation
Suppose you raise €100 as a runner during Marathon Groningen. Where does that money go? Baijens says: “At the Friends of the Beatrix Children’s Hospital Foundation, every euro goes directly to projects that make children’s hospital stays more pleasant and less stressful.” For example, children can be distracted with a special television during an MRI, films are projected on ceilings and walls in the operating theater and treatment rooms, and music, therapy dogs, and interactive reading sessions help them relax. “All staff working in pediatrics can submit project requests, so the money reaches the places where it is needed most,” Baijens explains.
“Everything we do aims to make children feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during an already challenging time,” Baijens says. “We care for children aged 0 to 18, often requiring intensive and long-term treatment. That’s why we focus on reducing pain, fear, and stress and preventing hospital stays from leaving lasting negative memories. Even in the hospital, a child should simply be a child.”
A hospital with regional and national impact
The Beatrix Children’s Hospital at UMCG is the academic children’s hospital for northern Netherlands, covering Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, parts of Overijssel, Flevoland, and even a small area of northern Germany. Each year, more than 2,500 unique children are admitted, accounting for over 14,000 hospital days.
“We are truly the children’s hospital for northern Netherlands and also provide national services for certain specialties,” Baijens emphasizes. “Think of unique treatments such as liver, small intestine, and lung transplants for children, which are only performed here at the Beatrix Children’s Hospital UMCG.”
More than money: involvement and awareness
For the foundation, Marathon Groningen is more than just a fundraiser. “Sports bring people together. By running for our children’s hospital, you show involvement and give support and hope,” Baijens says. “It also gives patients and their families a sense that they are not alone. That’s priceless.”
Runners make a visible difference, big or small. “Everyone can contribute. Even if you raise ‘just’ €20, together with others it can have a huge impact,” Baijens explains. She emphasizes that runners can raise sponsorship money at any distance, and all actions together form an important support system for children facing daily challenges.
Making a difference together
Last year’s experience shows that the foundation’s visibility increases through events like the marathon. “People recognize us by the pink color and realize what children go through in the hospital. That raises awareness and engagement,” says Baijens.
For those still hesitating to participate or raise funds, Baijens has a simple message: “Help each other. Everyone can contribute in their own way. It doesn’t have to be a lot; together you really make a difference.”
Cheering at the finish line
Is Baijens herself an avid runner? “I’m not a fanatical runner, but when I ask others to take action for the Children’s Hospital, I feel I should do it too. That’s why I ran the New York Marathon in 2019 and a half marathon on a frozen lake in 2024, to show that sport can truly make a difference,” Baijens says. Although she won’t be running this year, she will be there: “I cheer everyone over the finish line and celebrate their achievement. The enthusiasm and involvement of runners mean so much to the children and their families. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who contributes in any way to our children.”
Raise funds for the Beatrix Children’s Hospital yourself
Want to contribute yourself? There are three ways. Sign up via the Friends of the Beatrix Children’s Hospital Foundation and raise at least €500 before April 1, 2026, to receive a free race entry and the exclusive ‘I run for the sick child’ shirt. Prefer to set your own fundraising goal? Create a fundraising page via Marathon Groningen and collect donations at your own pace for the children. Finally, companies can participate in teams with personal goals and branded sports shirts. This way, everyone can make a difference in their own way. Visit the marathon website for guidance and instructions.
