Registration for the first edition of the Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen
Starting Thursday, December 18, runners can register for the very first edition of the Groningen Marathon powered by Campus Groningen, which will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Following the success of the first Half Marathon, Golazo Events is seizing this opportunity to expand the event to include a full marathon distance.
A new milestone for Groningen
Under the official name "Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen," the municipality now hosts a full-fledged marathon in addition to a half marathon. The route takes participants past iconic landmarks, right through the city center and the northern and southern outskirts of Groningen. This way, runners get to see the best of the city and experience Groningen at its finest.
Further development of the success
The event is a logical follow-up to the Groningen Half Marathon, the inaugural edition of which was held last year. In addition to the marathon, the half marathon will remain part of the program, along with the 10 km and a 2,5 km Kids Run. Businesses are also invited to participate by registering for the Business Run, the 10 km, and the Half Marathon.
Growth potential and number of participants
The first edition of the Half Marathon attracted an impressive 9.000 participants, which was a great success. "At the same time, we saw room for further growth. Adding a marathon distance is challenging, but it fits the event's ambitions," says project manager Johan Meijer. For this first edition, the number of full marathon runners is capped at 2.500. Golazo expects 15.000 runners to participate in the entire event.
Collaboration with Campus Groningen
Lisanne Brakenhoff, manager of Campus Groningen, is enthusiastically looking forward to the Groningen Marathon powered by Campus Groningen: “The Marathon embodies the ambition our region stands for: think big, act big. Together with our partners, we'll demonstrate during this event how innovation, sports, and a healthy living environment reinforce each other. We're seizing this opportunity to showcase the strength of our campus and the innovative ideas that emerge here, and to present Groningen as the leading light in knowledge, talent, and future-oriented entrepreneurship.”
Municipality of Groningen
Groningen Alderwoman for Sports Inge Jongman is pleased with the expansion to a full-fledged marathon: "Following the success of the Half Marathon, this is an important and wonderful next step. It's great news for all sports enthusiasts in the city and surrounding area. May 31st is a day to look forward to."
Support for Friends of Beatrix Children's Hospital
The Groningen Marathon is once again supporting the Friends of Beatrix Children's Hospital. Together, we're trying to make a difference for seriously ill children by making their hospital stays more bearable. Together, we make a difference for the patients.
Barbara Baijens-Vrij, fundraising coordinator for the Friends of Beatrix Children's Hospital: "We are thrilled to be the charity of the Groningen Marathon again this year, following last year's great success. It's wonderful to see how sports and social responsibility converge here. This event perfectly illustrates how energy, movement, and cohesion can make a difference for our children and their families. We are grateful to all the runners and supporters who are committed to making the hospital stay of seriously ill children a little easier."
Check out the website for all the ways you can contribute to this worthy cause.
Register for the Groningen Marathon 2026
Want to make history at the very first full Groningen Marathon in 2026? Don't wait too long and secure your starting spot.
👉 Sign up here!
Get off to a good start and visit your RunX store for personal advice, the right running shoes, and a suitable training plan. On to May 31st! 💪
