The Menzis 4 Mijl Van Groningen Is Coming and Participants Are More Than Excited

The Menzis 4 Mijl Van Groningen—the largest running event in the Northern Netherlands—is coming up on October 12 and 13. The participants are preparing for the distance from Haren to Groningen. They are focusing not on the competition but rather on feeling happier and healthier.  

The 4 Mijl Van Groningen is a running event that will take place for the 37th time this year. It is organized by Golazo, an event management company that thrives on a more active society through its events. 

Three weeks before the event, the 4 Mijl has reached a record number of 23,500 known participants, a report on the Golazo's news platform shows. The Glass Room spoke with two participants who shared what they enjoy most about it and how it has improved their physical and mental health.

“It is an escape from everyday life” says Niklas Fleige, who took part in the 4 Mijl last year and is looking forward to it again this year. 

Fleige started training a few days ago. He does most of his training on the treadmill, where he runs the exact distance of 6.5 km at his own pace with the goal in mind to run the distance in less than 40 minutes, as this was his achievement last year.

“It's about being there, it's about the fun, it's about the atmosphere in the city,” Fleige says. 

The preparation positively influences his mental well-being. He likes to run with music or a podcast to silence his thoughts, which are loud due to work and university. 

Celina Brötje, who is also preparing to run the 4 Mijl this year, says, “It feels like a break, even though you are doing something productive”. 

Running is also good for physical health. According to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, regular running lowers the risk of dying from any cause, or of cardiovascular disease. It even increases life expectancy by around three years. The distance and speed are not crucial here, but the habit of running for a few minutes a day already achieves health benefits.

“I have definitely noticed that starting a workout isn't as stressful as it used to be,” Brötje says. “The inner hurdle I feel about going for a run is not that high anymore,” she told The Glass Room further. 

Fleige also wants to take the motivation he gets from running into his everyday life. It makes him feel stronger, both physically and emotionally. 

Participating in sports events motivates people to engage further in sports. Brötje would like to set herself more goals for the future, as she has an interest in another running event organized by her student association. Fleige would like to focus mainly on sports and plan everything else around it. Both believe that this would continue improving their lives.