Cycling & running events in Groningen, 2026

Groningen Training Notes

Running: The Stadspark loop is 5 km for intervals. 4 km. The Reitdiepgebied suits easy Z2 when you want space, and Paterswoldsemeer gives a full loop of about 11 km. Run Club Groningen hosts free weekly runs around the city, and Slow Runners Groningen keeps the pace friendly. The 4 Mijl van Groningen, Martini Marathon, Dwars door Groningen, Campus Trail, and KardingeRun sit as the anchor races.

Cycling: Locals ride from the city because Groningen is just big and small enough for fantastic rides. The junction network gives you freedom, so riders build base miles on Around Groningen, Along the Reitdiep, Wind along to the mill, or Cycling from city to polder. Cycling Espresso Groningen leaves Doppio Espresso Brugstraat at 10:10 sharp on many second Sundays, with groups by speed and coffee talk after. Cycle Sport Groningen starts from the Stadspark parking lot opposite the trotting track. Kardingebult is the climb spot, and Kardingebultra is the anchor event when you want the legs to bite.

Season: Spring and summer suit steady training, and locals still carry rain legs because very rainy periods are common in summer. Summer gives warm, humid days, so riders and runners often keep Z2 honest and save intervals for the cooler parts of the day. Autumn is when most people focus on the 4 Mijl van Groningen, and clubs run social events throughout the year. Winter stays cool and usually above freezing, but easterly winds can bring frost, snow often falls, and Cycling Espresso Groningen skips rides when roads are icy.