On Sunday, May 25, the city of Groningen will be transformed into the stage for the Groningen Half Marathon, powered by Campus Groningen. With nearly 10,000 runners at the starting line, it’s a major event. But what many participants don’t realize is that behind the scenes, an army of volunteers is hard at work. One of the driving forces is Toon de Vries, a coach at Groningen Atletiek and a member of the event committee.

“Our club contributes not just people but also expertise,” says Toon. “Together with organizer Golazo, we make sure the route is safe and runner friendly.” With around 750 members, Groningen Atletiek is the largest athletics club in the northern Netherlands and has long been involved in local running events. “On top of that, our volunteers—members of the club—are active all along the course and at the start and finish zones. It’s a real team effort.”

Route check in the saddle

Groningen Atletiek’s involvement starts well before race day. “The organizers send me the route, and I bike it in advance,” Toon explains. “Along the way, I check for problem spots: narrow sidewalks, speed bumps, bridges that might open. We want a route that’s both safe and easy to follow.”

That clarity is crucial. “Runners need to see instantly where to go. We use tape, barriers, and clear signage to guide them. When something goes wrong, it’s frustrating, and it can cost them time.”

Up early, everything ready by 9:00 AM

On race day, volunteer work is essential. “The course is divided into sections. Each one has a coordinator and a team of volunteers who make sure everything is in place on time,” says Toon. “It’s go-time from 7:30, because the starting gun fires at nine.”

Volunteers from the club also staff the start and finish areas. “We have referees and timekeepers who manually track results—because no matter how digital things are now, the official hand timing still counts. And at the finish line, volunteers hand out medals and drinks.”

The club benefits too. “The compensation we receive helps us keep membership fees low. That way, everyone shares in the reward.” In total, Groningen Atletiek provides around 70 volunteers for the event. “Some would love to run themselves but choose instead to help out. That’s the strength of our club.”

Volunteers make it happen

With close to 10,000 runners and thousands of spectators, May 25 promises to be a celebration for sports fans and for the city and campus alike. But events like this don’t happen by magic. Without the dozens of volunteers—like those from Groningen Atletiek—it simply wouldn’t be possible. Other groups also step in: local scouting troops and sports clubs staff the water stations and other parts of the course.

“It all seems so effortless—the course is set, barriers are in place, and everyone starts on time,” says Toon. “But it takes a huge amount of planning and coordination. And on the day itself, the contributions from our members and many others are vital.”

That support doesn’t come easy. “Every time, it’s a challenge to find enough people with the right experience. That’s why we’re calling on anyone who’d like to help out at an event like this: sign up with Golazo and experience how fun it is to be part of a big day like this.”

Source text: Campus Groningen
Pictures: Groningen Atletiek en Golazo