4 Mijl van Groningen

The Menzis 4 Mijl van Groningen is a 4-mile road race in the north of the Netherlands, covering 6.4 kilometers from Haren to the Vismarkt in Groningen. It occurs annually on the second weekend of October and originated in 1987. The event attracts tens of thousands of runners from Groningen and the surrounding region, establishing it as the largest running event in the Northern Netherlands. It accommodates a broad spectrum of participants, not exclusively serious racers: the minimum age is six, and the program features distinct starts for competition runners, companies, charity entrants, the Mini 4 Mijl, the Youth Run, and 4Mijl4You. The route commences in the center of Haren and proceeds directly toward Groningen, concluding on the Vismarkt in the city center. The course is fast, but also crowded, contributing to a local running festival atmosphere rather than a subdued time-trial. Thousands of spectators convene at the Vismarkt to support runners crossing the finish line, and the city transforms the event into an annual celebration. Runners seeking preparation can participate in organized training runs in advance. The event also connects with the KWF “Run against cancer” campaign, enabling participants to collect donations during their training and race.