21,000 people will run the thirty-fifth edition of the 4 Miles of Groningen on Sunday. Where do you leave your clothes as a participant? How do you reach the loop without too much hassle? And what if you need to go to the toilet? We have listed some practical tips below.
Where do I begin?
Check your start time here and where and when you can pick up your bib number and T-shirt if you have registered for the 4 Mile after September 22. (Runners who registered earlier received their start number and T-shirt already sent home.)
Where do I leave my clothes?
It looks like it will be nice running weather on Sunday: about 16 degrees and dry all day. The organization of the 4 Mile always advises to come to Groningen in running clothes and on Sunday that seems to be possible.
As a participant you can leave one bag at the clothes trolleys in Haren. Your bag will then be taken to the finish. You are not allowed to take a bag or backpack in the starting areas or leave it unattended around the course: everything that is left unattended will be removed and thrown away for safety. A camel bag (backpack with water) is allowed in the starting area.
Where is the best place to look?
The 4 Mile route starts at the Kerklaan in Haren and traditionally ends at the fish market in Groningen. On the map below you can see exactly how you walk from North to South as a spectator during the 4 Mile, where the course runs and where you can stop to look.
Follow runners live with app
With the app ‘Menzis 4 Mijl van Groningen’ (can be found in the Play or Appstore) you can follow friends, family or other athletes live during the 4 Mile.
How should I travel?
If you come from outside Groningen as a participant or spectator: best by bike or by public transport. During the 4 Mile there are several closures around the course. In addition, there are already many closures in the city and it is always very busy on the day of the run. Groningen station is within walking distance of the finish location on the Vismarkt. You can plan your journey on the NS website or on 9292ov.nl.
Train not free for participants
The train between Groningen and Haren is not free for participants this year: you just have to buy a ticket. Trains stop extra at Haren station on Sunday.
From Emmen and Assen, Qliner 300 and 309 will stop extra at the P+R Haren until 2 p.m.
shuttle bus
As a participant you can make free use of shuttle buses on Sundays. In the image below you can see exactly when and from where they drive:
The shuttle buses only run from the A-road with participants: if you want to return from Central Station, this is only possible with regular transport.
After the finish, the shuttle bus will take you between 2.15 pm and 5.30 pm to car park P3 Bornholmstraat, Transferium Hoogkerk, Transferium Haren, Centrum Haren or Haren Station.
Still by car?
The organization of the 4 Mile advises you against it, but if you still want to come by car, they recommend parking at Transferium Haren. From there you can walk to the start.
Parking
Due to the construction of the southern ring road, Martini Plaza is not accessible for the shuttle buses. The pedestrian tunnel under the ring road is also closed, making parking at Gasunie impossible. There is enough parking space at the other parking spaces (P+R Hoogkerk, Transferium Haren and P3 Euroburg). Please note: P3 Euroborg is paid parking. You can park for free in the vicinity of Bornholmstraat/Osloweg.
Great urgency?
No worries. You will find toilets at the start and finish.