Without Groningen Atletiek’s volunteers, no Groningen Half Marathon: “We’re there with about 70 people"
Tu 20 May 2025
On Sunday, May 25, the city of Groningen will be transformed into the stage for the Groningen Half Marathon, powered by Campus Groningen. With nearly 10,000 runners at the starting line, it’s a major event. But what many participants don’t realize is that behind the scenes, an army of volunteers is hard at work. One of the driving forces is Toon de Vries, a coach at Groningen Atletiek and a member of the event committee.
“Our club contributes not just people but also expertise,” says Toon. “Together with organizer Golazo, we make sure the route is safe and runner friendly.” With around 750 members, Groningen Atletiek is the largest athletics club in the northern Netherlands and has long been involved in local running events. “On top of that, our volunteers—members of the club—are active all along the course and at the start and finish zones. It’s a real team effort.”
Route check in the saddle
Groningen Atletiek’s involvement starts well before race day. “The organizers send me the route, and I bike it in advance,” Toon explains. “Along the way, I check for problem spots: narrow sidewalks, speed bumps, bridges that might open. We want a route that’s both safe and easy to follow.”
That clarity is crucial. “Runners need to see instantly where to go. We use tape, barriers, and clear signage to guide them. When something goes wrong, it’s frustrating, and it can cost them time.”
Up early, everything ready by 9:00 AM
On race day, volunteer work is essential. “The course is divided into sections. Each one has a coordinator and a team of volunteers who make sure everything is in place on time,” says Toon. “It’s go-time from 7:30, because the starting gun fires at nine.”
Volunteers from the club also staff the start and finish areas. “We have referees and timekeepers who manually track results—because no matter how digital things are now, the official hand timing still counts. And at the finish line, volunteers hand out medals and drinks.”
The club benefits too. “The compensation we receive helps us keep membership fees low. That way, everyone shares in the reward.” In total, Groningen Atletiek provides around 70 volunteers for the event. “Some would love to run themselves but choose instead to help out. That’s the strength of our club.”
"ur club contributes not just people but also expertise. Together with organizer Golazo, we make sure the route is safe and runner friendly"
Toon de Vriestrainer at Groningen Atletiek
Volunteers make it happen
With close to 10,000 runners and thousands of spectators, May 25 promises to be a celebration for sports fans and for the city and campus alike. But events like this don’t happen by magic. Without the dozens of volunteers—like those from Groningen Atletiek—it simply wouldn’t be possible. Other groups also step in: local scouting troops and sports clubs staff the water stations and other parts of the course.
“It all seems so effortless—the course is set, barriers are in place, and everyone starts on time,” says Toon. “But it takes a huge amount of planning and coordination. And on the day itself, the contributions from our members and many others are vital.”
That support doesn’t come easy. “Every time, it’s a challenge to find enough people with the right experience. That’s why we’re calling on anyone who’d like to help out at an event like this: sign up with Golazo and experience how fun it is to be part of a big day like this.”
About Groningen Atletiek
Groningen Atletiek is the largest athletics club in the north of the Netherlands, with around 750 members. Founded in 2003 through a merger between GVAV-Rapiditas and ARGO’77, the club focuses on both track and road athletics. Track athletes train at their own synthetic track in the city’s Stadspark, which also features a clubhouse, weight room, and covered stands. Road runners train throughout the city and surrounding nature areas. The club offers programs for all ages and levels, including a special division for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Groningen Atletiek plays an active role in local events like the 4 Mile, Bommen Berend Run, and the Martini Cup, and has produced elite athletes like Thijmen Kupers and Rutger Smith. At its core is a thriving youth section, where children aged six and up are introduced to all athletic disciplines through fun, play-based training.
Op zondag 31 mei 2026 staat Groningen in het teken van sport, doorzettingsvermogen en betrokkenheid. Tussen alle lopers is ook het herkenbare roze van Vrienden Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis zichtbaar.
The LIFE Cooperative, part of the Northern Netherlands life sciences ecosystem at Campus Groningen, is organizing the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon together with FIGON on Thursday, 26 February. This fully booked event brings together leading scientists and industry experts to explore the latest developments in innovative medicines and advanced drug delivery. Read the full article as published by the LIFE Cooperative.National Attention for Sold-Out Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon: Innovative Medicines and Advanced Drug Delivery Take Center Stage in Groningen Innovation in medicines takes center stage on Thursday, 26 February during the Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon, an inspiring event organized by FIGON (Federation for Innovative Drug Research Netherlands) in collaboration with the LIFE Cooperative. “We are extremely proud of the strong line-up at this event, bringing together leading experts from science and industry to explore the frontiers of drug development. The fact that registrations are already fully booked underlines the great importance of this event for the life sciences ecosystem, and in particular for the Northern Netherlands,” says Ronald Hesse, Director of the LIFE Cooperative. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon brings together scientists, innovators, and professionals from across the Netherlands for an afternoon of insights, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities. The speaker line-up features experts from both academia and industry. This event is already fully booked. Interested in joining the waiting list? Please email: amber@lifecooperative.nlConnecting force The afternoon will be opened by Prof. Klaas Poelstra of the University of Groningen (RUG), Chair of FIGON, who will outline the importance of innovative drug development in the Netherlands. This will be followed by an introduction by Robert Hof on behalf of the LIFE Cooperative, highlighting the cooperative’s role as a connecting force within the regional ecosystem. The first session block before the break focuses on innovation in drug delivery systems. Rob Steendam (CTO, InnoCore) will discuss the development of long-acting SynBiosys® microspheres for controlled and sustained drug release. Jaap Wieling (CEO, PureIMS) will present the potential of dry-powder inhalation via the Cyclops® technology for both pulmonary and systemic indications. From an academic perspective, Prof. Marleen Kamperman (University of Groningen) will explore the potential of polyelectrolyte coacervates as innovative drug delivery platforms.Deep dive After the break, the focus shifts to advanced nanomedicines and clinical development strategies. Dr. Flávia Sousa (RUG) will present her work on polymer-based nanomedicines for the delivery of biotherapeutics to the brain. Dr. Ad Roffel (ICON plc, Groningen) will address mass balance and absolute bioavailability studies with ¹⁴C-labeled drugs in humans, an essential component of clinical drug development. Prof. Erik Frijlink (RUG) will reflect on the value of innovation within both established and advanced drug delivery systems, placing technological progress in a broader pharmaceutical context. Finally, Prof. Helder Santos (RUG) will demonstrate how nanomedicines are being used for RNA delivery in myocardial infarction repair, a promising development in cardiovascular therapy. “We are extremely proud of the strong line-up at this event, bringing together leading experts from science and industry to explore the frontiers of drug development. The fact that registrations are already fully booked underlines the great importance of this event for the life sciences ecosystem, and in particular for the Northern Netherlands." - Ronald Hesse, director LIFE CooperativeClosing and networking The afternoon will conclude with a contribution by Peter Ketelaar (LIFE Cooperative), followed by closing remarks from Prof. Klaas Poelstra. Participants will then have the opportunity to connect and continue discussions during the networking reception. Hesse looks forward to the event: “With this event, FIGON and the LIFE Cooperative underline the strength of collaboration between academia, industry, and clinical practice. The Dutch Medicines Winter Afternoon promises not only to be an inspiring afternoon, but also to provide momentum for further innovation and collaboration within the Northern Netherlands life sciences ecosystem.” Text: lifecooperative.nlPhotographer: Casper Maas
The master plan for the Healthy Ageing Campus has officially been approved! This marks an important step in developing the campus as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. With a focus on greenery, health, and connection to the city, the campus will become a vibrant environment where research, education, healthcare, and business come together. The vision provides space for new laboratories, building renovations, meeting places, and closer collaboration between UMCG, RUG, and the business community. Read the whole article by the UMCG below.Green light for the Healthy Ageing Campus Master Plan On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, the Groningen City Council formally approved the master plan for the Healthy Ageing Campus. This is a major milestone, as the plan provides the framework for the campus’s further development and its integration with the surrounding area. At the end of last year, the University of Groningen (RUG), the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), and the City of Groningen presented an ambitious, future-proof plan for the campus. Shared ambitions have been translated into coherent spatial and programmatic guidelines for current and future developments. In other words: how much space is available for which functions on the campus, and where is the most suitable location for them? The renewed campus will: Provide space for knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, encouraging interaction between disciplines and people; Connect with the city, making the campus a natural part of Groningen life; Be a healthy and sustainable environment, with attention to greenery, physical activity, wellbeing, and a living environment that supports health; Be lively and accessible, bringing together living, working, research, studying, and healthcare.Next steps The master plan is not only a blueprint for the future, but also a concrete step toward further developing the current campus. Construction and renovation on the UMCG and RUG grounds are ongoing, and each project must now be assessed to determine what is possible. With the approval of this master plan, the way is cleared for follow-up decisions, including applying for demolition and building permits and further project development within the area. Upcoming projects include: The construction of the Central Laboratory for Diagnostics and Research (CLDR): a new laboratory building on the site of the former UCP building. This building will bring together various laboratories in one location to improve collaboration. Relocating laboratories from the Central Medical Complex is also necessary for the renovation and expansion of several hospital departments; Renovation and future-proofing of existing UMCG and RUG buildings, with attention to sustainability, flexibility, and integration with the heating/cooling system; Making the campus greener and more accessible, creating new meeting places and better connections to surrounding public spaces; Creating space for campus-related business activities, strengthening collaboration between UMCG, RUG, and the private sector.Municipality explores the future of DOT Initially, the master plan covered the area between Petrus Campersingel and Oostersingel, from Hanzeplein to the Oosterhamrikkanaal. In the newly approved plan, the Bodenterrein site has been separated, as the municipality is investigating the costs of possibly preserving DOT. More information on this will be available later this year. Read more about the Master Plan.Source text and pictures: umcg.nl
