Midwinter Marathon Apeldoorn
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.
