The 4 Mile of Groningen, one of the biggest and most popular running events in the Netherlands, is coming up again. With some 28,500 (in 2025) participants, it promises to be another sporting spectacle. On Sunday 12 October 2025, thousands of runners will head from Haren to Groningen’s bustling city centre.
Whether you are running yourself or cheering along the course – it is a celebration every year. The city comes alive with fanatical runners, swinging music bands and spectators providing a truly Groningen atmosphere.
When is the 4 Mile of Groningen 2025?
The Menzis 4 Mile of Groningen 2025 will take place on Sunday 12 October 2025.
The first start is at 12.00 in Haren and the last runners will leave around 15.15 towards the finish on the Vismarkt in Groningen.
For years, the 4 Mile has been the running event for which the whole city turns out – literally.
Programme 4 Mile of Groningen 2025
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10.00 o’clock | Collecting start numbers Mini 4 Mile | Hereplein, Groningen |
| 10.30 – 15.00 hours | Collecting start numbers Menzis 4 Mile of Groningen | Sports centre Beatrixoord, Haren |
| 11.00 o’clock | Start Mini 4 Mile | Hereplein, Groningen |
| 12.00 o’clock | Start Race Walk | Kerklaan, Haren |
| 12.05 – 12.45 hrs | Company Run | Kerklaan, Haren |
| 13.00 – 15.15 hrs | Recreational run | Kerklaan, Haren |
| 13.30 – 13.40 hours | Youth Run | Kerklaan, Haren |
The 4 Mile route
The classic route of the 4 Mile of Groningen is exactly 6.437 kilometres long – or four miles. The start is on the Kerklaan in Haren, with the finish on the Vismarkt in the heart of the city. The runners largely follow the Rijksstraatweg, a straight line full of music, atmosphere and crowds. Along the way, the runners are encouraged by thousands of spectators. It is a route that literally runs from village to city – with a finish that gives goosebumps every year.
Average time and speed
The average runner takes about 38 minutes to complete the 4 Mile, good for a pace of just over 10 kilometres per hour.
Youth are usually slightly faster, and top athletes even tap the 20 km/h mark.
Whether you go for a personal record or for the atmosphere, the 4 Mile remains a challenge for everyone.
What’s on the Programme
Here is an overview of what to expect:
Sunday 12 October: The 4 Mile of Groningen
- Mini 4 Mile: Start to be announced
- Race Run: Start to be announced
- Charity Run: Start to be announced
- Company Run: Start to be announced
- Recreational Run: Start to be announced
- Youth Run: Start to be announced
The start of all parts is at the Kerklaan in Haren, and the finish is at the Vismarkt in the centre of Groningen. It promises to be a spectacular day full of sporting achievements, with thousands of participants doing their best to complete the 6.4-kilometre course.
When can I register for the 4 miles in Groningen?
It is no longer possible to register for the Menzis 4 Mile of Groningen 2025.
Possibility for 2026: You can register for the interest list for the next edition in 2026 via the official website of the 4 Mile of Groningen
Where can I view my results from the 4 Mile?
You can view them normally on the 4 Mile website, but that takes a while, or on Sporthive. On Sporthive, you can also view your photos, videos and other statistics.
Why 4 Mile?
The 4 Mile of Groningen is not just another running event, but an iconic sports festival that has brought thousands of people together every year since 1987. But why is it referred to as “miles” instead of kilometres?
The name refers to the distance of the course: four miles, which is about 6.4 kilometres. Although most distances in the Netherlands are expressed in kilometres, this distance gives the event a unique, traditional feel. The use of “mile” adds a bit of history and authenticity, setting it apart from other running events.
At 6437 metres (just over four miles), the route itself, from Haren to the Vismarkt in Groningen, is ideal for both novice and experienced runners. In the past, up to and including 2004, the distance was even 6666 metres, making it a bit longer and more challenging.
With a wide range of runners-from recreational to professional athletes-and different categories such as the youth run and company run, the 4 Mile has developed into the largest running event in the Northern Netherlands. The atmosphere, the accessibility of the distance, and the iconic route through town and country make it an annual highlight for (Groningen’s) sports enthusiasts.
