A classic is making a comeback: the dust is blown off the Klazienaveen marathon (42.2 kilometers). In 2018, the run disappeared from the program of the Drenthe Loopfestijn. With the fortieth anniversary approaching on May 24, the marathon will be taken out of mothballs. Unlike the last time, the interest is enormous.
A few stretching exercises and then Jan Dobbe darts away to one of the picnic benches in the Bargerveen. The chairman of the Drenthe Loopfestijn is already walking part of the route through the raised bog reserve. “It is one of the most beautiful areas in this region,” he says.
The Bargerveen stretches around him. White, frozen frost appears to be strewn like sugar powder over the trees and plants. And so it will soon be the setting for the new marathon.
It was last held in 2018. The number of participations had already decreased in previous years. “During the last edition, approximately 30 to 35 runners participated,” said Dobbe. “I think it was partly because of the route.”
Participants then simply ran the 10 kilometer course (another distance from the running festival) four times. Four laps between Klazienaveen and Nieuw-Dordrecht. “I think people thought that was a bit boring.”
The course is getting a major boost this year. As usual, the start and finish are in the center of Klazienaveen. But the marathon runners then turn towards Bargerveen and therefore through beautiful nature.
The reason for restarting the marathon was the anniversary. “We sent an email to former participants to gauge whether there was interest. Everyone actually responded very enthusiastically.” What is called: the number of registrations is already at 86. While there are 110 starting places available. More is not possible, because it puts too much pressure on the nature reserve, according to Dobbe. “But we are pleasantly surprised by all the positive reactions”
Nationally, running and marathons are on the rise. Starting numbers were sold in no time, NOS reported last year. Such as the marathons of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, but also at regional runs. “We also notice that in Klazienaveen,” says Dobbe. In addition to the marathon, other distances are also run during the Drenthe Loopfestijn. “We already have a third more registrations than last year.”
A running group in the village offers exercise clinics and these are also in great demand. “Klazienaveen is also known as a sports village.”
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