THUAS colours the very first ‘NN Marathon The Hague’ green
2 November 2026
On Sunday 1 November, The Hague and Westland were the setting for the very first NN Marathon The Hague.
Around 21,000 participants were ready to take on the challenge, including an enthusiastic group of THUAS students and staff. Wearing our green shirts, they represented THUAS across the different marathon distances. An achievement to be proud of!
For lecturer Ewout Timmerman (Sports Studies), the marathon was particularly special because it took place in his own city. “I'm mainly doing it because it's in The Hague. As a university, and through our Sports Studies programme, we work closely with the municipality and the event organiser, so I really wanted to be part of it.” Emily, an International Sport Management student, also took on the half marathon. It was her first running event and, despite her running partner having to cancel at the last minute, she decided to take on the challenge on her own. “I'm proud to be part of the very first edition of the NN Marathon The Hague.”
Researcher Bernd Kreynen (Applied Technology for Mobility and Sports research group) ran the full marathon and raised money for Fonds Gehandicaptensport, an organisation that promotes sports opportunities for people with disabilities. “Being able to take part in sports isn't a given for everyone. That's exactly why I believe it's important that everyone has the opportunity to participate.” All participants representing THUAS made it across the finish line, taking home a medal and, above all, a strong sense of togetherness.
Education, research and community
THUAS's involvement in the marathon extends far beyond its own participants. According to Elisabeth Minnemann, Chair of the Executive Board, the event brings together three key elements of the university: education, research and our community. “Our research group conducted preliminary research into the level of interest in organising a marathon in The Hague and is also carrying out research during the event”, she explains. “We also work closely with the event organiser and the municipality. By having our students and staff take part in their green shirts, we show that THUAS is actively involved in the city.”
A gift to the city
Koen Breedveld (Impact of Sport research group) is also investigating the wider social impact of the event. Commissioned by the municipalities of The Hague and Westland, his research group is looking at which groups the marathon reaches, whether it encourages people to become more physically active and what the event means for social cohesion in the city. Students from the Sports Studies and International Sport Management programmes are actively contributing to the research by interviewing participants and spectators and conducting surveys. This is education and research coming together in practice. Koen explains: “A marathon can motivate people to start running, take up sports more often or keep exercising. At the same time, it brings people together and creates positive energy throughout the city.” He beautifully describes the marathon as “a gift to the city.”
We’d like to congratulate all our students and staff on taking part and making it across the finish line. We are incredibly proud of you!
