Marathon Sneek

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the running and walking event will take place under a new name and format. GrootMedia takes over the organization of Mar-athon Sneek and merges the event with the 4 & 10 Mile of Sneek. Under one new, clear name; Marathon Sneek creates a renewed running and walking event right through Súdwest Fryslan. With an adapted program for a broader target group, the organization wants the event to grow into one of the largest running and walking events in Friesland. With early start times for the longer distances, summer conditions are deliberately taken into account so that participants can participate safely and perform optimally. The day ends with a fun afterparty: a sporting and social finale to start the summer off right together, with music, drinks and space to celebrate achievements.

Under the name Marathon Sneek, the event in 2026 will consist of the following parts:

Running
- 4 Mile of Sneek - the famous popular run right through the town.
- Half marathon running - replacing the 10 Mile
- 4 Mile Businessrun - for business teams
- Kidsrun - from 5 years of age

Walking
- Half marathon walk (21 km)
- Full marathon walk (42 km)
The full marathon running will not yet be run in 2026 due to the short organization time. The intention is to add this distance to the program in 2027.

The Mar-athon Sneek has a long history. The event was originally founded by singer Syb van der Ploeg and was later owned by Le Champion, organizer of the Amsterdam Marathon, among others. GrootMedia is now taking over the event from the Plezier in Beweging foundation.

New concept and route design
As part of the new concept, the original Mar-athon course around the Sneekermeer lake will be abandoned. Instead, the organization is working on a renewed route concept in which sports, music and atmosphere are central. The event should not only be a sporting challenge, but also a day where participants, audience and supporters come together.
According to GrootMedia, it was important not to let the event disappear.
"It would be a shame for a sporting event with so much history and potential to bleed to death," said Marianne Bouwman, owner of GrootMedia. "By joining forces and renewing the concept, we give Marathon Sneek a future-proof basis and keep the event alive for Sneek and the region."

Cooperation takes final shape
It was previously announced that Mar-athon Sneek and the 4 & 10 Mile of Sneek would work together. With the acquisition and amalgamation, this cooperation is now taking definite shape. The bundling creates economies of scale and enables even more residents and visitors to experience the region in a sporting way.

Saturday, June 20, 2026
Marathon Sneek will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. With early start times for the longer distances, summer conditions are deliberately taken into account so that participants can participate safely and perform at their best. The day will end with a fun afterparty: a sporting and social finale to start the summer off right together, with music, drinks and space to celebrate achievements.

Registration opens on February 15
Registration for Marathon Sneek opens on Sunday, February 15. The organization expects a lot of interest and advises those interested to register early.
Whether you run for a personal record, walk for the experience or want to get the city moving with family and friends: Marathon Sneek is for everyone.
All information about the event, news, registration, the course and the full program can be found at www.marathonsneek.nl.