"One half marathon doesn’t make a Half Marathon," said Edward van der Meer, Director of Campus Groningen, with a smile during the award ceremony. "So the second one is on its way, and after the third edition, it’s a tradition – and that’s what we’re aiming for!" Judging by the thousands of participants and spectators, that tradition is already well underway.
On Sunday morning, the Zernike Campus was grey with rain but buzzing with energy. More than 9,500 runners gathered for the very first edition of the Groningen Half Marathon, powered by Campus Groningen. “You are the lucky ones,” said announcer and crowd favorite Vincent van der Velde at the start of the main event. “You’re the first 6,000 people to secure a spot in this edition.”
From 9:00 AM, the races kicked off one after the other, starting with the 10K, launched by Campus Groningen manager Lisanne Brakenhoff. Despite the wet pavement, the atmosphere was electric. Spectators cheered along a route that passed through knowledge institutions, local businesses, green spaces, and the city center. Top performances were delivered by athletes such as Nik Lemmink (30:19) and Jolien de Waard (37:20).
The highlight of the day, the Half Marathon, began at 10:00 AM. It was a stunning sight: 6,000 runners forming a colorful ribbon along the Zernikelaan. Some were chasing personal bests, others were in it for the experience. The weather remained changeable, but seemed to fuel performances rather than hinder them. Tom Hendrikse (1:06:11) and Jacelyn Gruppen (1:14:55) claimed the victories.
The afternoon was all about families and youth. Around 150 enthusiastic young runners took part in the 2.5 km Kids Run, followed by the fun and festive 5 km and Family Run, which drew around 800 participants. Cheering parents, smiling children, and even some sunshine made for a heartwarming end to the day.
Throughout the day, the Zernike Campus was the vibrant heart of the event – from the start zones to the lively Zernikeplein, with food trucks and local energy. Both runners and visitors embraced the special campus atmosphere. Thanks to Golazo, the event organizer, we look back on an extremely successful debut. With their extensive experience in organizing large-scale sporting events, they created, together with Campus Groningen and partners, a professional, well-organized, and spirited running celebration – one that already feels like a true Groningen tradition.
A special word of thanks goes out to the hundreds of volunteers who helped make this event possible. From water stations to traffic stewards, bib pickup to first aid – their dedication made the difference, ensuring a smooth, safe, and festive day.
The Groningen Half Marathon has proven itself as an event for everyone – from competitive athletes to casual runners and families. It brought together sport, city, and campus in a unique and memorable experience, one that’s definitely worth repeating. Want to stay in training? Sign up now for the Campus Trail, the 4-mile fun run on Zernike Campus on September 12!
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