Exploration of the The Hague Marathon (2025)

Following a motion in the city council, the research group Impact of Sport conducted an exploratory study, at the request of the municipality, into the possibilities of (re)introducing a marathon in The Hague.

Method

For this exploration, six interviews were held with relevant stakeholders, including the three athletics clubs in The Hague. Existing data on the development of the running event market were compiled. Additionally, based on existing research, the significance of a marathon for a city was examined. More than 500 members of the three The Hague athletics clubs were surveyed about their views on a potential The Hague marathon.

Results

For the municipality of The Hague, this project resulted in a concise publication, which was included as an appendix for the city council. Based on these documents, the city council decided in December 2025 to grant a subsidy of €150,000 to Golazo BV. This subsidy can be used to organize a marathon in the autumn of 2026. 
The report helped to capture the vision of, among others, The Hague athletics clubs regarding a Hague marathon. The Athletics Federation (Atletiekunie) was also consulted in its role as an expert organization in the field of running. Finally, 600 runners from The Hague were asked for their opinion on a Hague marathon. Overall, there was considerable enthusiasm for a Hague marathon, provided it is designed and organized in the right way.

Duration

September to October 2025

Partners

Municipality of The Hague (client)

Funding

Municipality of The Hague (client)

Team

• Wesley van den Breul, researcher at Research Group Impact of Sport
• Koen Breedveld, professor of Research Group Impact of Sport

Contact

Koen Breedveld ([email protected])