50 KM
take the step beyond the marathon
The 50 km solo is a distance that perfectly matches the energy of RUN Winschoten. Since 2024, the official Dutch Championship has been held over this distance, attracting both recreational ultrarunners and (inter)national top athletes to Winschoten. In 2026, the 50 km has an extra special place in the programme: the RUN marks its 50th anniversary and is celebrating the jubilee in a big way.
The 50 km is ideal for runners who want to look beyond the marathon. You add extra kilometres, but within an event that is clear, motivating and professionally organised. This makes the distance a logical next step for anyone who wants to train with purpose towards longer ultras.
Key information at a glance
| Date: | September 12, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Start time: | 09:15 |
| Open competition categories: | Mannen: Msen, M40, M50, M60 |
| Minimum age: | 18 jaar op de dag van de start |
| Registration fee: | Voorinschrijving: €55,00 van 1 maart t/m 31 juli |
A distance that attracts more and more runners
The 50 km has quickly grown into a full-fledged part of the RUN. International athletes have been finding their way to Winschoten for years thanks to the fast, easy-to-follow course and the strong organisation. The addition of the Dutch Championship from 2024 gave the distance even more meaning for Dutch runners. In the 2026 anniversary edition, everything comes together in a strong field of starters, a smooth race and an atmosphere you feel from the very first metres.
That atmosphere is characteristic of the RUN. Along the course, tens of thousands of spectators keep you going, often well into the evening. Streets are lavishly decorated, fuelled by the annual street prize for the best-decorated street. Residents do everything they can to win that title. The RUN’s hospitality is also unique: participants in the 50 and 100 km can stay overnight and eat for free with host families. International runners in particular are happy to make use of this, and most even return to the same address every year. It makes RUN Winschoten an event where sport, atmosphere and personal involvement come together.
Winschoten turns into a big party!
The Dutch 50 km Championship
The RUN will also organise the official Dutch 50 km Championship in 2026. Want to compete for the title? Then you need:
- Dutch nationality
- a competition licence from the Royal Dutch Athletics Federation (Atletiekunie).
The Dutch Championship will take place with at least 5 registered participants (m/f), of whom at least 3 start. You automatically take part in the open race, and there are no age categories in the Dutch Championship. One race, one title, one chance to make history.
Mandatory e-learning for Dutch Championship participants
Dutch Championship runners are advised to follow the e-learning programme of the Dutch Doping Authority. It provides clarity on anti-doping procedures and ensures professional preparation. Coaches and support staff can complete their own module.
The Oldambt Challenge Trophy
To encourage regional runners to take a step beyond the marathon, the RUN awards the Oldambt Challenge Trophy: a prize for the fastest man and woman from the municipality of Oldambt. It is extra motivation for runners from the region who already have experience with longer distances and want to run their first ultra in their own area.
An anniversary edition with extra meaning
The 50th RUN Winschoten is an edition where tradition and progress come together. The 50 km solo plays an important role in that: accessible enough for runners who want to try their first ultra, challenging enough for athletes who want to push their personal limits. The anniversary edition offers you a stage that is full of energy and a crowd that helps you through every kilometre.