On Friday, September 12, runners will once again gather at the starting line of the Campus Trail on Zernike Campus Groningen. With nearly 500 registrations, this edition promises to be lively and energetic. This fun run takes participants right through buildings, labs, and companies where education, research, and innovation are usually the focus. But on this day, it’s all about movement, connection, and experience—with singer-songwriters, drum bands, DJs, and dance acts lining the route to create an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
The full 6.4-kilometer (4-mile) route has now been revealed. Along the way, you’ll enjoy music, performances, and a behind-the-scenes look at places you wouldn’t normally get to explore. And this year, there’s more to experience than ever before: many participating organizations are providing their own entertainment along the route. From live performances to interactive surprises, there’s something for everyone. Expect an acoustic trio in the courtyard of Plus Ultra, a DJ set on the steps of the Willem Alexander Sports Center, and a swinging steel band under the trees near the Duisenberg Building. You’ll also find singer-songwriter performances at Start Up City, ACLO, and Marie Kamphuisborg, plus a high-energy dance and vocal show by students from Lucia Marthas at ZP7. At the finish line, participants can unwind with music and a refreshing drink (at their own expense).
“This will be the sixth edition of the Campus Trail. It’s a wonderful event to strengthen connections on campus while staying active. It’s a festive way to literally open doors and connect hearts. Everyone is welcome—whether you’re running, cheering, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.”
- Amber van der Schaaf, Community manager at Campus Groningen, is looking forward to the event:
You can register online until today (September 4) via www.campustrail.nl. On the day itself, you can still pick up a race number from 2:30 PM at the registration desk at the Energy Barn. Please note: payment on-site is by card only.
The Campus Trail is an initiative of Campus Groningen in collaboration with Bedrijvenvereniging WEST, Energy Barn, Lode Holding, ACLO, the Sports Center, and the Hanze Institute for Sports Studies. The practical organization of the event is in the hands of Paul van Put Events.
The large-scale Lifelines population study is inviting new participants for the first time in twenty years. The study is seeking around 16,000 relatives of existing participants. This expansion has been made possible by a grant from the National Programma Groningen (NPG).
The 2026 Kavli Prize was awarded last week. Alongside the Nobel Prize, the Kavli Prize is regarded as one of the highest honours in science and is awarded every two years by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
Who is developing the most impactful innovation in Life Sciences & Health in the Northern Netherlands? Five companies are in the running for the LIFE Science Innovation Award 2026: Flux Robotics, Limosa Immunodiagnostics, SPCTR, MimeCure and GlycanScan International. The nominees will present their innovations on Tuesday 22 September during the fifth edition of the LIFE Science Conference in Groningen. An independent jury will select the winner, who will receive a €10,000 cash prize.
