“The marathon is much more than a single moment,” says Mulder, economic affairs advisor. “At the municipality, we take a strategic view on events: how do they contribute to Groningen’s positioning? This event attracts not only runners, but also visitors from outside the region. That creates an economic spin-off for the city and surrounding area.”
That impact is not limited to race day itself. It is precisely the combination of participants and their entourage that creates opportunities. “Runners bring family and friends,” Mulder explains. “And we want to encourage them to explore the city as well, from retail and hospitality to museums. They may stay longer, or return again later.”
Pride and social connection
In addition to economic value, the social impact plays a major role. Nuijt explains: “This event creates pride and a sense of togetherness. Our lives are becoming increasingly individualistic, but we see that sport and events bring people together. During the route, runners experience a shared achievement, each at their own level. Along the course, spontaneous gathering points emerge where people come together to cheer and celebrate. That feeling is extremely positive.”
This effect continues beyond the event itself. According to the NPG image monitor, visitors leave with a much more positive perception of Groningen. “People who have been here speak more positively about the city and are more likely to return,” says Nuijt. “So an event like this really helps put Groningen on the map.”
More than just running
The marathon is also a catalyst for movement, literally and figuratively. In the build-up, all kinds of initiatives emerge: from running clinics and knowledge-sharing network events to corporate teams and student activities. “The marathon gives people a reason to get moving,” says Nuijt. “If that reaches people who start exercising more or better, that is pure health gain.”
Mulder adds that this aligns well with broader municipal goals. “We are very focused on making sport accessible to different target groups. The marathon is part of that, and an important one because of its appeal. Ultimately, it is also highly relevant that many different groups can participate, whether in the Kids Run, the 5K, the 10K, or the half marathon.”
Boost for entrepreneurs and community
Local businesses also benefit—not only directly, but also in the longer term. “We encourage visitors to stay longer and explore the city,” says Mulder. “That means spending at local businesses and cultural institutions such as the Groninger Museum, but also visibility: showing what Groningen has to offer.”
The event also strengthens connections within the community. “You see companies, including those from outside Campus Groningen, participating in teams and seeking each other out,” Mulder explains. “An event like this helps build a community. It brings people together, even outside their daily work.”
Campus as a stage
A special element of the Marathon Groningen is the start and finish on Campus Groningen. This makes a place visible that is still unfamiliar to many people. “The campus is an important part of Groningen’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem,” says Nuijt. “Through the marathon, we can showcase this to a wide audience. People discover how the area has changed and how much is happening there.”
This visibility creates opportunities for the future. “Because the event is multi-year, you can build on it,” he says. “You can think about what to organize around it and how to strengthen it further.”
Fits the city’s ambitions
According to Mulder, the marathon fits seamlessly with Groningen’s broader ambitions. “We aim to focus on events that match the city’s DNA. Health is an important theme, as well as liveability and an attractive environment to stay in.” The strength lies in its breadth. “It touches on economy, health, accessibility, entrepreneurship, and the positioning of the city and surrounding region. It basically ticks many of our boxes.”
For Groningen & Partners, that combination is also essential. “Events like this bring everything together: leisure, economy, and our pride in Groningen,” says Nuijt. “And that is exactly where we as an organization can add value. We look forward to developing this further together in the coming years.”
With care for each other
Finally, Mulder highlights another important aspect of the event: its charity partner. The marathon supports the Foundation Friends of the Beatrix Children’s Hospital (Stichting Vrienden van het Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis). “It is not just about sport and the economy,” he says. “It is also about meaning something for others. That completes the picture.”
With this combination of impact, experience, and engagement, the Marathon Groningen is growing into an event that sets the city in motion—on all fronts.
Series leading up to the Marathon powered by Campus Groningen
This article is part of a short series by Campus Groningen about the preparations for the Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen on May 31, 2026. In the coming weeks, we will share tips, stories, and insights from runners, coaches, and experts on both the physical and mental aspects of running, so participants can start well prepared and confident.
Read more:
Article on mental preparation for a marathon
Article on the purpose of the marathon sponsorship funds
Article on the running clinics by ACLO: Join the Ride
