The Zernike Campus was more vibrant than ever today during the sixth edition of the Campus Trail. With over 600 enthusiastic participants, including 25 corporate teams, the campus transformed into a sporty festival ground. Along the route, there was plenty of music, activities, and surprising performances, ensuring that participants were not only moving but also enjoying a lively and festive atmosphere.

"It’s amazing to see how the Campus Trail connects people every year," says Amber van der Schaaf, Community Manager at Campus Groningen and organizer of the event. "Participants discover the campus in a unique way, while companies, students, staff, and even residents from the North who don’t study or work on campus get together to exercise and have fun. This edition, with so much music and excitement, was truly a party."

Energy, medals, and camaraderie

The starting signal went off at 3:30 PM at the Energy Barn, this year given by Niels van den Bovenkamp, director of the Sports Center of the University of Groningen and Hanze University. The Energy Barn also served as the lively finish location, where participants were greeted festively and awarded medals. A cheerful drink afterwards gave participants the chance to celebrate the fun run and share stories.

‘Fantastic vibes’

There was more to experience along the route than ever before: participating organizations provided their own entertainment. From live performances to interactive surprises, there was plenty to see and do. Participants enjoyed an acoustic trio in the courtyard of Plus Ultra, a DJ set on the steps of the Willem Alexander Sports Center, and a lively drum band under the trees at the Duisenberg Building. Singer-songwriters performed at Start Up City, ACLO, and the Marie Kamphuisborg. An energetic dance and singing performance by students from Lucia Marthas delighted runners at the Van OlstBorg at Hanze.

Even at the finish line there was music. "I had heard the Campus Trail would be fun, but these fantastic vibes were a surprise," said one participant. "All those performances and surprises along the way gave so much energy. You almost forgot you were running!"

Looking ahead to 2026

The Campus Trail demonstrates how sport, community, and innovation come together at Zernike Campus. The organizers look back on a successful edition and are already preparing for an equally vibrant 2026 edition.

The Campus Trail is an initiative of Campus Groningen in collaboration with Hanze University, the University of Groningen, the WEST Business Association, ACLO, Lode Holding, the Sports Center, Entrance, and the municipality of Groningen, and is practically organized by Paul van Put Events.

Source: Campus Groningen
Photos: Casper Maas Photography