Derde Kerstdagloop Arnhem 2026

The Derde Kerstdagloop Arnhem is a running event held in Arnhem, Gelderland, starting at sports center Valkenhuizen. Participants can select from 7 km, 14 km, or a half marathon. Ciko'66, the local athletics club, manages the event. The courses are not flat city routes; they venture into the wooded hills surrounding Arnhem, featuring forest, heath, ascents, descents, and numerous unpaved sections. While the event has a competitive atmosphere, it is also suitable for recreational runners seeking a challenging year-end run, distinct from courses focused solely on personal bests. The half marathon consists of a single 21.1 km loop, primarily on car-free paved bike paths through forest and heathland, with approximately 185 meters of elevation gain and aid stations located around the 8 km and 17 km marks. Both the 14 km and 7 km races incorporate over 50% unpaved trails; the 7 km begins on relatively flat terrain before entering forested areas with varied inclines. All distances share a 3-hour time limit, concluding back at the Ciko'66 track. The event can accommodate up to approximately 1,650 runners. Practical amenities include changing rooms, showers, supervised baggage storage, first aid, chip timing, limited parking, and a recommendation to use a bicycle or bus from Arnhem station for access.