Zevenheuvelenloop 2026 – Nijmegen, Netherlands

What to expect

The Zevenheuvelenloop, or Seven Hills Run, is an annual 15-kilometer road race held in and around Nijmegen, Netherlands, and is considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious road races in Europe. Established in 1984 as a modest event with 500 male participants, it has evolved into one of Europe’s premier running events, attracting over 25,000 to 30,000 runners in recent years and is one of the largest road races in the Netherlands.

You can expect a unique combination of top-level elite sport and mass participation folk festival. The course is renowned for its picturesque and undulating character, starting in Nijmegen, following a path to Groesbeek and looping back towards the finish. The event lends itself to fast times and has been the stage for multiple world records. It is known as the 15 km autumn classic, famous for its stunning, hilly course in and around Nijmegen with beautiful autumn colors.

The weekend offers several race formats including the main 15 km race, a 7 km night edition, a mini edition and a company run. With live music, enthusiastic crowds, and a historic city centre atmosphere, the Zevenheuvelenloop is much more than a race. Whether you are chasing a world best or your first finish, you will experience why this race is a staple on the international media calendar.

Match/event dates

• Event Name: Zevenheuvelenloop 2026 – Nijmegen, Netherlands
• Official Website: https://zevenheuvelenloop.nl/
• Contact Email: info@zevenheuvelenloop.nl
• Location: Nijmegen, Gelderland, Start and Finish Groesbeekseweg near Sumatrastraat
• Event Dates: November 14 – November 15, 2026
• Event Days: Saturday to Sunday, two-day weekend
• Edition: 41st edition
• Distances: 15 km main race, 7 km night run
• Primary Sponsor: NN and Garmin
• Official Site: Zevenheuvelenloop.nl

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

The venue for Zevenheuvelenloop is the historic city of Nijmegen and the surrounding hills towards Groesbeek. There is no traditional stadium, the entire course serves as the stadium with start and finish located on the Groesbeekseweg near Sumatrastraat, close to Van Schaeck Mathonsingel where number collection takes place.

The 15 km course is described as the most beautiful in the Netherlands and is the only course in the world where both current men’s and women’s 15 km world bests were set. The route starts and finishes on Groesbeekseweg and runs over streets including Nijmeegse Baan, Zevenheuvelenweg and Oude Kleefsebaan. The first five kilometres include a deceptive slight rise, the middle section contains the famous seven hills with notable climbs, and the final four kilometres slope slightly downward, allowing fast finishes.

The course is undulating and hilly, not flat, with spicy hills that require tactical racing. It begins in Nijmegen, follows a path to Groesbeek and loops back towards Nijmegen. The roads are fully closed to traffic and lined with tens of thousands of spectators, brass bands and cheer zones. Timing is provided via MYLAPS BibTag built into the race number so net times start when a runner crosses the start line.

Full fixture or event schedule

The Zevenheuvelenloop weekend features a packed programme across two days with different distances for all ages.

• Saturday Programme – Zevenheuvelennacht: Evening programme featuring 7 km night run through illuminated city centre and surrounding hills. This night edition offers a festive atmosphere with light shows, music and costumes. Also mini runs for children and youth events in city centre.
• Sunday Programme – Main Day: Morning start for main 15 km NN Zevenheuvelenloop with elite men and women starting first, followed by recreational waves. Company run integrated into main race with business teams. Course entertainment with multiple music stages.
• Side Events: Company run, kids runs, and business gatherings throughout weekend. Official event app offers live tracking and results.
• Post-Race: Personal action photos taken for each participant and published within 48 hours via personal result. Medal engraving not available but block on ribbon provided for writing finish time.

The programme emphasizes both elite competition and mass participation, with start waves spread over several hours to accommodate large field.

Teams, athletes & participants

Zevenheuvelenloop attracts world-class elite and tens of thousands of recreational runners.

• Elite Men: The course has seen legends and world record holders. Current men’s course record and world best is 40:42 by Jacob Kiplimo from 2024. Previous world bests by Felix Limo 41:29 in 2001, Leonard Komon 41:13 in 2010, Joshua Cheptegei 41:05 in 2018. Other winners include Haile Gebrselassie three-time winner 1994, 2005, 2011, Sileshi Sihine, Ayele Abshero, Stephen Kissa and Rogers Kibet. Strong group of Dutch riders often on hunt for Dutch record on 15 km.
• Elite Women: Current women’s course record and world best 44:20 by Letesenbet Gidey from 2019. Previous world best by Tirunesh Dibaba 46:29 in 2009. Other winners include Tegla Loroupe three-time winner, Mestawet Tufa three-time winner, Priscah Jeptoo, Stella Chesang, Beatrice Chepkoech, Mizan Alem. British record holder Eilish McColgan has also competed with 47:12 British 15K record attempt.
• Recreational Field: Over 25,000 runners in main 15 km, plus thousands in 7 km night run. Field includes business teams, with one of largest Business Runs in Netherlands.
• Dutch Top: Strong Dutch contingent chasing national records, including athletes like Marc Scott from Great Britain, Koen Naert from Belgium, Nils Voigt from Germany and best Dutch runners.
• Historical Note: Irvette Van Blerk won in 2002 at age fifteen while holidaying in Netherlands, showing open nature of race. Race was used as test event for development of ChampionChip personal RFID timing system.

Tournament format & competition structure

The race uses a wave start and chip timing system to manage large field and ensure fast times.

• Distance Format: Main distance 15 km road race, plus 7 km night race, mini editions for children. Inaugural edition in 1984 featured only 11.9 km course as Dutch athletics federation would not allow new races longer than 12 km. Current 15 km distance established since 1985.
• Course Format: Point-to-loop course starting and finishing on Groesbeekseweg, undulating with seven hills, first 5 km slight rise, middle hills, final 4 km downhill. Course lends itself to fast times despite hills due to downhill finish.
• Timing System: MYLAPS BibTag built into race number records net time from crossing start line. Official event app offers live tracking for supporters.
• Competition Categories: Overall men and women, age categories, Dutch Championship classification when applicable, business team ranking based on combined times, and company run.
• World Record Eligibility: Course is World Athletics certified for world records, with multiple world bests ratified. Slight downhill gradient within allowable limits for records.
• Start Waves: Elite waves first, then recreational waves based on expected finish time to prevent overcrowding on hills.

Match/event times

Start times are organized to ensure smooth flow and optimal conditions for elite and recreational runners.

• Saturday Night: Zevenheuvelennacht 7 km starts in evening hours with illuminated course, typically around 19:00 to 21:00 hours, creating festive night atmosphere.
• Sunday Morning: Elite women start first, followed by elite men shortly after, to allow clear racing and media coverage. Recreational waves follow from mid-morning onwards until early afternoon.
• Finish Window: Elite men finish in around 41 to 42 minutes, elite women around 44 to 48 minutes. Recreational runners finish over several hours with course remaining open until late afternoon.
• Supporter Logistics: Course accessible at multiple points including Zevenheuvelenweg, Nijmeegse Baan and Groesbeekseweg. Supporters can see runners at several hills and at start/finish area.

Personal action photos are taken automatically along course and linked to bib number.

Ticket types

Registration fees for Zevenheuvelenloop are based on listed 2026 pricing converted to USD, as event is listed as sold out with resale available.

• 15 km Main Race Individual: 33 USD standard fee. Includes race number with BibTag timing, official event app tracking, personal action photos, drink stations and medical support. Optional items at registration include medal for 4 USD and short sleeve event shirt for 37 USD.
• 7 km Zevenheuvelennacht Night Run: 27 USD, includes illuminated race number, medal optional, night atmosphere with music and lights.
• Business Team Package: Approximately 540 USD per team of 8 runners, includes team tent at finish area, catering, team photo and business ranking.
• Mini and Kids Runs: Approximately 11 USD, includes kids shirt and medal.
• Resale: When sold out, official resale of start numbers is available via organizer platform to prevent black market.

If entry is completed by early October, start number is mailed in October. Later registrations require collection on event days at Van Schaeck Mathonsingel.

Ticket release phases

Registration follows phased release due to extremely high demand with over 30,000 spots selling out months in advance.

• Phase One – Priority: Opens first for returning participants, members of Foundation Zevenheuvelenloop, and business teams with guaranteed entry.
• Phase Two – General Early: Opens several months in advance with standard fee of 33 USD. Best shirt size availability. This phase often sells out quickly for main 15 km.
• Phase Three – Late: Higher fees may apply, limited availability, especially for popular waves. Number collection required at Van Schaeck Mathonsingel.
• Phase Four – Resale: Official resale platform opens when sold out, allowing registered runners who cannot participate to transfer start number to waiting list runners at face value. Prevents unofficial resale.

The 41st edition is listed as sold out, with resale of start numbers available via official website.

VIP & hospitality options

Hospitality is an important part of Zevenheuvelenloop experience with business and family options.

• Business Lounge at Groesbeekseweg: Private tents and lounges near start/finish area for business teams where they can gather both before and after race, share experiences and celebrate achievements together. Includes catering, drinks and meeting facilities.
• VIP Finish Area: Premium viewing near finish line with catering and best view of elite finish and world record attempts.
• Company Run Hospitality: Dedicated company run area with team photos, massage and networking opportunities.
• Elite Athlete Hospitality: Separate area for elite athletes with warm-up facilities and media interviews.
• Family Hospitality: Areas along course with food trucks, music stages and children’s entertainment.

Foundation Zevenheuvelenloop is renowned for organizing hospitality that combines sport with business networking in Gelderland region.

Stadium & event rules

Rules ensure safety and fast times on hilly course.

• Course Rules: Runners must stay on marked course over Zevenheuvelenweg, Nijmeegse Baan and Oude Kleefsebaan. No cutting hills. Spiked shoes not allowed as road race. Follow instructions from course marshals at hills.
• Start Rules: Wave start strictly enforced based on expected finish time. Jumping waves results in disqualification. BibTag must be worn visibly on chest for timing and photo identification.
• Environmental Rules: No littering in nature areas around Groesbeek. Cups at water points must be disposed in bins. Event follows sustainable practices with recycling.
• Spectator Rules: Spectators must stay behind barriers at start/finish on Groesbeekseweg. Dogs must be on leash and not allowed in start/finish enclosure. Parents with young children advised to use less crowded hill sections rather than finish straight when very busy.
• Safety: Medical services along course especially at hill tops where effort is highest. Course has rolling road closures, emergency access maintained.
• Photo and Video: Personal action photos taken automatically for each participant and published within 48 hours via personal result. Professional photography requires accreditation.

Race used as test event for ChampionChip RFID timing, emphasizing technological precision.

How to get there

Nijmegen is centrally located in Netherlands near German border, easily accessible.

• By Car: From A73 and A77 motorways follow signs Nijmegen Centre and Groesbeekseweg 210, 6523 PD Nijmegen. Parking at designated areas around city with shuttle to start. City centre road closures during race.
• By Train: Nijmegen Central Station is major hub with intercity connections to Amsterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem and Germany. From station, bus lines or 15-minute walk to Groesbeekseweg start. Extra trains on event day.
• By Air: Amsterdam Schiphol, Eindhoven Airport and Düsseldorf Airport within 1 to 2 hours by train or car.
• By Bike: Nijmegen is very bike-friendly with extensive cycle paths. Bike parking at start area and Van Schaeck Mathonsingel collection point.
• International: Nijmegen close to German border, accessible for German runners via A3 and regional trains.

Public transport & parking

Public transport strongly recommended due to road closures on hilly course.

• Bus Services: Special event buses from Nijmegen Central Station to Groesbeekseweg start area, plus regular city buses. For hill viewing, buses to Berg en Dal and Groesbeek.
• Train: NS trains to Nijmegen Central with extra capacity. Connections to Arnhem, Den Bosch and Germany.
• Parking: Designated parking at university campus, sports parks and P+R facilities at outskirts with shuttle buses to start. Parking fee around 11 USD per day. City centre parking discouraged due to closures.
• Park and Ride: P+R facilities at Nijmegen North and Lindenholt offer low-cost parking with bus connections to start.
• Accessibility: Shuttle buses accessible with low floors. Train stations fully accessible.

Check 9292ov.nl for public transport planning to support spots along Zevenheuvelenweg.

Accommodation areas

Nijmegen offers wide range of accommodation, known as oldest city in Netherlands with vibrant student atmosphere.

• Centre: Hotels near Groesbeekseweg and city centre such as Hotel Courage Waalkade, Van der Valk Hotel Nijmegen-Lent, and boutique hotels within walking distance to start. Ideal for experiencing start atmosphere.
• Berg en Dal Area: Hotels and holiday parks along course route towards Groesbeek, including hotels with views over seven hills, perfect for course reconnaissance.
• University Area: Hotels near Radboud University with good bus connections.
• Arnhem Area: Hotels in nearby Arnhem, 20 minutes by train, alternative when Nijmegen fully booked.
• Booking Tip: Weekend is one of busiest in Nijmegen with 25,000 runners plus supporters, hotels fill months in advance. Book via official website partners for best rates. The listed participation fee does not include accommodation.

Food & drink at the venue

Food and drink are central to folk festival character of Zevenheuvelenloop.

• Start/Finish Area: Food trucks and catering stands with drinks and bites at Groesbeekseweg, festival atmosphere with live music and business team gatherings.
• Course Entertainment: Multiple music stages along Zevenheuvelenweg and in Groesbeek with brass bands, DJs and cheer zones. Local residents along hills offer enthusiastic support.
• Business Tents: Catering for business teams with buffet and drinks included in team package, ideal for networking.
• City Centre: Nijmegen centre with numerous cafes and restaurants along Waalkade and Grote Markt offering traditional Dutch snacks, local beers and international cuisine.
• Post-Race: Medal optional, but local breweries and restaurants offer celebration meals for finishers.

The autumn classic is known for warm mulled wine and hot chocolate at finish due to November temperatures.

Accessibility

Event designed to be accessible despite hilly course.

• Wheelchair Access: Start and finish areas at Groesbeekseweg accessible with temporary ramps. Finish festival accessible via paved paths. Hilly course itself less suitable for wheelchairs due to gradient.
• Accessible Toilets: Accessible toilets at start, finish and along course at key spectator points.
• Transport: Shuttle buses accessible with low floors. Train stations Nijmegen Central fully accessible with elevators.
• Viewing: Less crowded hill sections like Oude Kleefsebaan offer more space for wheelchair users than finish straight. Fan zones near start provide accessible viewing.
• Assistance: Volunteers available to guide runners with disabilities. Guide runners allowed for visually impaired runners upon request.
• Children: Mini runs and kids activities at Van Schaeck Mathonsingel with accessible facilities.

For specific accessibility requests contact organizer via info@zevenheuvelenloop.nl.

Best matches/events to attend

With multiple distances across weekend, certain experiences are particularly recommended.

• 15 km Main Race: Absolute highlight with elite field chasing world bests, current men’s world best 40:42 and women’s 44:20 both set here. Perfect for personal best attempt due to downhill final 4 km despite hills. Best viewing at Zevenheuvelenweg hill top and finish on Groesbeekseweg.
• 7 km Zevenheuvelennacht Night Run: Evening run through illuminated city and hills with light shows, music and costumes, festive atmosphere ideal for those wanting shorter distance with party feeling.
• Business Team Competition: One of largest Business Runs in Netherlands, with team tents and networking, great for corporate team building.
• Mini Runs: Perfect for families with children, short distances in city centre with lottery prizes and children’s party.
• Elite Race Viewing: Watching elite men and women tackle seven hills at world record pace is inspiring, especially at famous Zevenheuvelenweg where hills are most spicy.

Arrive early at Groesbeekseweg to experience start atmosphere and then move to hill top for second viewing.

Previous year’s highlights

Previous editions confirmed Zevenheuvelenloop as stage for world-class performances and mass participation.

In recent years, Jacob Kiplimo shattered 15 km world record with 40:42 in 2024, leading from start to finish, equaling and then breaking previous world best. Letesenbet Gidey smashed women’s world best with 44:20 in 2019, a performance that still stands as world best. Other highlights include Joshua Cheptegei winning four times including world best 41:05 in 2018, and strong Dutch performances chasing national records.

The event attracted over 25,000 runners with 6,000 to 8,000 participants in elite and recreational categories counted in recent results, plus thousands more in night run. The hilly course between Nijmegen and Groesbeek offered beautiful route with autumn colors and challenging hills, making it favorite among running enthusiasts. Foundation Zevenheuvelenloop received praise for organization and atmosphere with more than 250,000 spectators creating folk festival.

The race also celebrated its history as test event for ChampionChip timing system and its evolution from 500 male participants in 1984 to major international event.

Official tickets

All tickets should be purchased via official channels to avoid unofficial resale.

• Official Website: https://zevenheuvelenloop.nl/
• Contact: info@zevenheuvelenloop.nl
• Ticket Pricing Listed: 15 km 33 USD standard, medal optional 4 USD, event shirt 37 USD, 7 km night run 27 USD, business team 540 USD per team, kids 11 USD
• Status: 41st edition listed as sold out, resale of start numbers available via official platform
• Collection: Start number mailed in October if entry completed by 3 October, later registrations collection at Van Schaeck Mathonsingel
• Timing: MYLAPS BibTag built into race number, live tracking via app, personal photos within 48 hours

Always verify you are on zevenheuvelenloop.nl domain before entering payment details.