Tweet06-04-2011 om 14:00 by Amanda Potter

As the winter recedes, I’ve been seeing more runners out on and about Maastricht. The region is great for running because you can easily get into nature and the hilly-ish landscape provides a nice challenge. Recently I’ve jogged on St. Pietersburg with some of the women at IWC which is not only a lot of uphill, but a beautiful area. Obviously lots of other people think the Maastricht region is a great place for running as well because several footraces take place here over the spring and summer. If you’re interested in races, check out this selection of 5K, 10K, and 15K runs.

DIS Familyloop (April 10, 2011): A race for the whole family, the DIS Familyloop begins and ends in Sittard. Children’s races include a 500m and 1000m, while adults can run up to a 15K.

Maastricht’s Gezelligste (April 17, 2011): A bit of a strange distance, the Maastricht Gezelligste is an 11,5 km race. It focuses on the hilly areas around Maastricht and is 70% on unpaved roads or paths.

2e Rabobank Queensrun 2011 (April 30, 2011): If you’ve tired of the free market in the Stadpark, you can celebrate Queens Day with a race instead. Starting in Beek, there is a 5K and a 10 K, both of which uses the same 2.5km loop.

Maas Marathon (May 8, 2011): A recognized international IAAF marathon, the Maas Marathon is an opportunity for runners who prefer half or full marathons, as well as 5K and 10K runners. The scenic route around the Muese river begins and ends in Vise.

Geuldaloop (May 14, 2011): The Geuldaloop is another “off road” race through the forests surrounding Berg en Terblijt. The main race is a 10,8K over the VV Berg and is one of several races organized by the Zuid Limburg Hardloopcircuit. Other races for mountain runners are: Bergrunners Bemelen http://www.bemelsbeste.nl/(July 3rd), Haarderluip Borgharen (August 21), and the ENCI Bergloop (November 6).

Maastricht Mooiste (June 12, 2011): One of the bigger races in this area, the Maastricht Mooiste offers three different flavors for runners (5K, 10K, and 15K) and takes you up St. Pietersburg itself but loops back to Maastricht.

Several other races held throughout the year and throughout the Netherlands can be found at Hardloopeventmenten by region. Do you have a race to add to this list?

If you run but are not into racing, consider a city running tour in Maastricht. While these tours are usually in Dutch, English ones can be arranged and you can make reservations for a specially planned English language event on April 19th at 7 pm.

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