Pheidippidesloop

Pheidippidesloop is a seven-runner relay marathon held at the Maarschalkerweerd athletics track in Utrecht, organized annually by Utrecht Atletiek. Each team collectively covers the full marathon distance, with runners alternating between two short legs of 4.1 km and five longer legs of 6.8 km. Teams must field at least two women, and the runner order may be adjusted on race day. The race commences at noon, using the track behind Galgenwaard stadium as the start, exchange point, and finish. The name references Pheidippides and the legendary run from Marathon to Athens, but the modern event is structured around clubs, companies, institutions, and friend groups sharing the distance. Some teams participate annually, viewing it as a reunion, while others aim to improve their previous times or compete against teams from different running clubs. This arrangement keeps participants near the action, allowing teammates to encourage each other at the exchange point and gather on the same track afterward. The pavilion contributes to the Dutch club-race atmosphere with coffee, hot chocolate, bitterballen, and beer available post-race.