The organization is pulling the plug on the Dwingelderveldloop, two weeks before the eleventh edition was to be run. Natuurmonumenten does not agree with the routes as mapped out. “We are somewhat surprised,” admits driver Pieter Boelen.
A pain point is the cycle path across the heath, between the observatory and the sheepfold. “Natuurmonumenten does not want us to have bicycle paths. Then it has to be sandy paths.” According to the organization, this is detrimental to the Dwingelderveldloop. “Years ago, we went over a sandy path for a while, but when the route was plotted, there was fifteen centimeters of water.”
Through the forester Sanne van Gemerden, Natuurmonumenten also finds it annoying that this problem only became clear so late. “We have been discussing this with them for three years,” she describes the situation. Natuurmonumenten wants to separate the different groups of holidaymakers. This means that cyclists use the paved cycle path and walkers and runners use the sandy paths.
“We were not so strict about this in the past, but in the corona period it has become much busier. More walkers, but also more cyclists. Runners are welcome, but must then use the paths intended for them. it cannot be the case that if you want to cycle here that the path is closed” explains Van Gemerden.
Tricky point seems to be a meeting in the spring. According to the forester, Natuurmonumenten then made an appeal to find another route, but the organization thought that would only apply for next year. “There is no record of this. Perhaps the wish fathered the thought.” However, according to Boelen, this is not the case and other organizations that were present would also confirm his lecture.
According to the organization, about 300 runners had already registered for the Dwingelderveldloop. In previous years, there were about 500 participants at the start. Returning money is not necessary, because according to Boelen this is only automatically debited after the course.
The director now focuses on 2023. “We also want to have a positive approach to Natuurmonumenten. We are still looking at solutions that we can find together, or whether we should consider a different area.”