Record number of participants cross the finish line at the sunny Utrecht Science Park during the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon

Running is gaining in popularity, and this was clearly visible on Sunday 18 May at the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon. Start numbers for major running events sell out fast these days, and Utrecht is in the lead: according to a RIVM survey, one out of five adults in Utrecht runs. Far more than the national average.

Once again this year, the enthusiasm for the sport underlined itself with a record number of over 18,500 participants from all over the country and even beyond. This year, about 2,000 people took part in the 10 kilometres, 13,500 in the half marathon and 3,000 in marathon.

From 08:30 am, the starting gun sounded for the first runners. In several start waves spread throughout the morning, participants of all distances took off and headed up the course. The route went through a varied setting of green outlying areas and Utrecht's historic city centre. A special feature this year was that the marathon distance was again run as one full lap. The renewed route gave the marathon runners a varied course, with a nice section through Houten and its surroundings. There was a great atmosphere along the route, with thousands of enthusiastic spectators giving everyone an extra push.

Battle for first place

On the course, people were competing for first place. This was mainly seen at the Utrecht Science Park marathon. Utrechters Alex da Conceicao Frederico and Imo Muller were considered the favourites beforehand. But as often happens: when two dogs fight over a leg, the third one takes it. And that third one was Jelle Wijnja. Da Conceicao Frederico and Muller came second and third, respectively. With his hands in the air, Wijnja crossed the line as the winner (2:29:11). Wijnja enjoyed the atmosphere along the way: "It was fantastic. There were crowds everywhere along the side cheering you on. That's super nice."

In the women's event, it appeared to be a battle between Mikky Ketels and Bregje Smits. Ketels, had to drop out halfway through due to stomach problems. Smits won with almost a 20-minute lead (02:47:11).

Community event Utrecht Science Park participants

Especially for participants working or studying at the Utrecht Science Park, the Utrecht Science Park Foundation, Utrecht University, HU, UMC Utrecht and Sportcentrum Olympos organised a community reception. Participants could go there for bag drop-off, relaxation spots and snacks and drinks. A relaxed place to properly prepare for the run and recover after the finish. As many as 2,000 employees and students of the Utrecht Science Park participated in one of the distances of the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon. The large turnout shows once again how popular sport and exercise are, also within the Utrecht Science Park community.

Breathing study

In cooperation with UMC Utrecht/WKZ, the Utrecht Science Park Foundation linked a breathing study to this year's marathon. Test subjects took a breathing test before and after their running performance with a special device to measure the air resistance in the lungs and find out if there is a difference in this before and after running. Research results are currently under review.

Results

There were many top performances on this beautiful sunny day;

GenDX 10 K

• Men: Sten ten Klooster – 34:17
• Women: Lizzy Pons – 38:34

HiPRO Half Marathon

• Men: Lars Cazander – 01:10:58
• Women: Floor Doornwaard – 01:21:48

Utrecht Science Park Marathon

• Men: Jelle Wijnja - 2:29:11

• Women: Bregje Smits – 02:47:1

This year's event also included the Utregse Studentenbokaal, of which Team Fasta was the winner at the 10KM.

KWF

As in previous years, the event partnered with the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF). Thousands of runners not only challenged themselves physically, but also raised an impressive €652,139 in sponsorship for cancer research.

Looking back

Organisers reflected proudly on the day’s achievements: “What a celebration of running in Utrecht. With a record-breaking 18,500 participants and amazing crowd support from the Science Park to the city centre, this was a marathon to remember. We’re proud of everyone who took part.”

Importance of sport and exercise at the Utrecht Science Park

At the Utrecht Science Park, people work on a healthy, sustainable society every day. Sport and exercise play an important role in this. It is great to see that a large number of participants showed their sporty side at the Utrecht Science Park. It was a wonderful day. See you next year!

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