Marathon races near Elst

The Midwinter Marathon Apeldoorn begins and ends on the Loolaan, leading runners into the wooded, hilly outskirts of Apeldoorn during the Dutch winter. Taking place in January or February, it has been held annually since 1974, establishing it as the second oldest running event in the Netherlands. The weekend features multiple distances, including a full marathon, a 25 km Asselronde, a 10 English mile race, an 8 km race, and shorter options like kids' races and a night run. The course primarily crosses forest and heathland rather than city streets, with some routes ascending to approximately 100 meters above sea level. The marathon is now presented as a trail run. Winter weather is integral to the race's character; past editions have included snow on the course, yet the event has never been canceled due to winter conditions. The Asselronde is a long-standing event in its own right, and the shorter races attract participants seeking the Apeldoorn atmosphere without committing to the full marathon. A summer counterpart event occurs in June, but the original race retains its cold-weather identity.

The Halve Marathon de Waal is a small annual road race held in De Waal on Texel, starting at Langwaal 9. AV Texel, along with the village committee, organizes the event. The program includes youth races of 1.2 and 2.5 km, alongside 5 km, 10.6 km, and the 21.1 km half marathon. For many local runners, it marks the start of the road running season on the island. The field is limited to 250 participants. The routes traverse the Waal and Burg area, a rural part of Texel situated just outside the village. The event has taken place since the eighties, giving it the character of a local tradition rather than a large-scale production. Participants travel from beyond Texel, yet the race retains village-race customs: late entries are managed at the village hall, free soup is provided post-finish, and the raffle’s main prize is a duvet.

The Two Rivers Marathon begins and ends in Zaltbommel, a Dutch city known for its medieval center. Runners complete a full 42.2 kilometers along the Waal and Maas rivers. This is a small marathon, limited to approximately 1,000 participants. It features an individual race and a Duo Marathon, where two runners share the distance, switching at the halfway point. The event frequently encounters raw spring weather, aligning with its practical origins. It was established as a training marathon for those preparing for the Two Oceans Marathon and Comrades Marathon, and it continues to serve as an official qualifier for both. The course primarily follows dikes through the Bommelerwaard region, with the two rivers flanking the route for a significant portion. Runners preparing for the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons still participate, alongside regular Dutch marathoners and individuals seeking a low-key, personal event over a large city race. Aid stations are positioned every 5 kilometers. Following the finish, participants take a short walk to a park located on the old city wall. Here, they can collect their belongings, shower, eat, and enjoy the beer and braai (barbecue) that have become integral to the race's character.