The 53rd edition of the Batavierenrace, which was set to take place in May, has been officially cancelled, as reported by various university media on Monday. The race’s organising board has not been able to find enough students willing to take on the responsibility this year. Additionally, stricter rules on safety and sustainability have presented further challenges.
Two weeks ago, the organisers made a final attempt to recruit enough committee members for this year, but it was unsuccessful, report UToday from Enschede and Vox from Nijmegen. The organising board will use this year to develop a new organisational structure and ensure the event is future-proof.
The relay race attracts around 8,500 participants every year, making it the largest student sports event in the Netherlands and the biggest relay race in the world. Teams of 25 students run 175 kilometres from Nijmegen to Enschede, starting on Friday night and finishing on Saturday afternoon, where the event ends with a large party. The race has been held since 1971.
EUR-Roadrunners, Rotterdam’s student running club, participates in the relay race every year. Treasurer Abel Westland is responsible for the committee that assembles the Roadrunners’ team, organises transport and buys supplies. “Last year was my first time taking part, and I loved it!” For the club, it’s one of the highlights of the year. “We do have other big activities, but the whole idea of running a huge relay non-stop for 24 hours and spending the entire weekend together makes it special.”
Westland is disappointed that the race won’t go ahead. “We already had enthusiastic people lined up for our committee, and we were looking forward to getting started. But I can understand that it’s difficult to find people willing to organise such a massive event like the Batavierenrace.”
