Running Events in Groningen 2026: The Complete Calendar!

Are you looking for the best running events, trails, or muddy obstacle runs in the province of Groningen for 2026? Then you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re training for the iconic 4 Mile, want to run a Half Marathon, or are ready to plough through the mud during a real Obstacle Run in Kardinge or Ter Apel: this complete calendar gives you the overview you need.

From atmospheric night runs through the city center to tough cross-country runs in the Noorderplantsoen, Groningen has a challenge for every level and every season. And did you know that this year, for the first time, a real marathon in Groningen will be run, covering no less than 42.195 real kilometers, and it takes place on Sunday, May 31, 2026.  Check out the map below.

Groningen Runs 2026: The Complete Overview

Below you’ll find the most up-to-date and complete calendar of running races and Obstacle Runs in the province of Groningen for the entire year 2026. 

The Groningen Golazo events: established values for young and old

Golazo organizes in Groningen a series of running events that together form the heart of the Groningen running calendar. These are events that range from large public races to low-threshold runs with a strong social and community focus. These Golazo events include the 4 Mile of Groningen, the 4 Mile For You, the Half Marathon of Groningen, the Nacht van Groningen, the Urban Trail Groningen, the Stadspark Nightrun and the Plantsoenloop Groningen. Within this series, a few events take a special place, in our view. The 4 Mile For You is specifically intended for runners who want to experience the iconic distance in a calmer and more accessible format. This run offers space to recreational runners, participants with a disability and everyone who does want the experience of the 4 Mile, but not the crowds of the main event. In doing so, this event underlines the inclusive character of Groningen’s running culture. The Plantsoenloop Groningen also plays an important role in grassroots sport. 

This event has been an established value for years and is especially known for the school runs, in which many primary schools from Groningen and surroundings participate. For many children, this is the first introduction to running in a competitive setting, which makes the Plantsoenloop a real meeting place for young runners, parents and schools. Together, these Golazo events ensure that Groningen lives all year round for runners of every level — from pupil and recreational runner to avid competitive runner.

Recreational running in Groningen 2026

 To be able to run a good race, it is important that you train. Now there are also quite a few nice suggestions to do this in a group setting in Groningen. 

Stadspark parkrun – every Saturday 5 km in the park

The Stadspark parkrun is a weekly recurring 5 km running event in Groningen’s beautiful Stadspark. And all made possible by volunteers! We regularly had contact with Victoria, one of the initiators, to promote the parkruns. Every Saturday morning at 09:00, runners of all levels gather to walk, jog or run together through the green heart of the city. The run is completely free and is organized by volunteers for members of the local community – everyone is welcome, regardless of pace or experience. The parkrun is part of the worldwide parkrun concept that operates in hundreds of cities. The setup is low-threshold: you only need to register once to take part, and you can run at your own speed. Afterwards there is often a cozy atmosphere with coffee and tea where participants can share experiences and encourage each other. For many Groningers, this is the way to start the weekend in a sporty way, meet new people and experience the nature of the Stadspark in motion. 

De Brunchclub Social Running – running with a social twist

De Brunchclub is a fresh and accessible social running community in Groningen, where running is about moving together, meeting and enjoying afterwards. No bib numbers or race pressure, but relaxed runs at a pleasant pace, suitable for both beginner and recreational runners. The focus is on community, fun and connection – exactly what many runners look for alongside the big running events. De Brunchclub regularly organizes social runs at fixed times, often followed by coffee, brunch or a drink. The distances are accessible (usually 5 km, sometimes 10 km), the pace is social and everyone runs at their own level. New participants can easily join; participating is more important than speed. The runs take place at varying locations in the city, such as the Noorderplantsoen and other central spots in Groningen. Updates about routes, times and special editions are shared via De Brunchclub’s community channels. See the current overview via the official page of De Brunchclub.

Special edition: Run & Brunch at the Mediacentrale

On Sunday, January 18 De Brunchclub organizes a special Run & Brunch at the Mediacentrale Groningen. This edition combines a relaxed social run with brunching together at a special location in the city. The run is accessible for different levels and is perfect for anyone who wants to combine sport and gezelligheid on Sunday morning.

Registration and more information about this edition can be found via the official event page.

Obstacle Runs Groningen 2026: Mud, Teamwork and Pure Challenge

Groningen has firmly put itself on the map in recent years as the region for obstacle and survival runs, sometimes with muddy challenges. In 2026, two absolute crowd favorites are once again on the calendar: KardingeRUN and MudGrunn. Both events attract thousands of participants every year who are not afraid of water, sand, height and teamwork.The KardingeRUN, organized in and around Sportcentrum Kardinge in Groningen, has grown into the best-known Obstacle Run of the Northern Netherlands. With distances for both beginners and experienced obstacle runners, spectacular obstacles and a strong focus on fun and togetherness, this is the event for teams, companies and groups of friends. MudGrunn in Ter Apel is known as the ultimate mud run. This event is rougher, wetter and physically heavier, and appeals especially to participants who are looking for a real survival experience. Think ditches, mud fields and natural obstacles in a wooded environment. Both obstacle runs traditionally take place in September and together form the muddy highlight of the Groningen running year. Maybe another nice one to keep an eye on, Survivalrun Groningen, this took place last year in November.

Running race or other event in Groningen visible here?

We always have a nice overview for people who come to Groningen or live there, of all the fun events. You can submit your location or submit your event at StayinGroningen and we’ll give it attention in a fun way!