Leiden Marathon

What Leiden Marathon does

Leiden Marathon is operated by Stichting Marathon Leiden, a Dutch non-profit foundation established in 1991 and registered in Leiden (KvK 41168219), which produces an annual multi-distance running and walking event held over a weekend in May. The 35th edition took place May 9-10, 2026, attracting 20,000+ participants across five branded running distances—the '42 of SWIS' full marathon, the '21 of Bunnig & Partners' half marathon, the '10 of Zorg en Zekerheid', the '5 of PF Concept' nightrun, and the free Corpus Kidsrun—alongside three walking distances, the Heerema Businessloop for corporate teams, and ancillary services (pasta party, official merchandise, medal engraving). Operations are delivered by a board, a small paid marathon bureau, and 1,100+ volunteers.

The technology stack centers on the TotalTiming online registration platform, a proprietary Doorverkoop resale platform for bib transfers, Mappi-powered interactive course maps, a mobile app with live participant tracking, and an AI chatbot (vragen.ai, a product of title sponsor SWIS) for participant Q&A. Revenue is generated through participant registration fees (€16-€69 depending on distance), merchandise and medal engraving, pasta-party catering, and a multi-tier corporate sponsorship structure in which each distance carries a naming-rights partner on multi-year deals. The event is supported by charity integration with the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital (WAKZ/LUMC), school athletics programs with De Bewegingsambassadeurs and Atletiekunie, and medical coverage by Red Cross Leiden, GHOR and RAV.

The foundation is led by race director Tjeerd Scheffer, has no parent company, has undertaken no disclosed funding rounds, and operates exclusively in the Leiden regional market. Distribution is single-channel online (TotalTiming) with in-person bib pickup at the Johnson & Johnson Park event area; marketing combines owned channels (website, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, newsletter), regional earned media (Omroep West, Sleutelstad), live streaming from the finish area, and sponsor cross-promotion.

Name

Leiden Marathon

Legal name

Stichting Marathon Leiden

Website

https://marathon.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Leiden Marathon, operated by Stichting Marathon Leiden (est. 1991), is an annual multi-distance running and walking event held in Leiden, Netherlands, attracting 20,000+ participants across five branded distances and supported by 1,100+ volunteers and multi-year corporate naming sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marathon and Running Event Organization

NAICS

Spectator Sports (71121)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Road Running Events (Marathons, Half Marathons, 10K/5K) (MPAKAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Mass Participation Race Organizers (Runs, Triathlons, Cycling) (MPAKADAD)

Keywords

• Marathon event organization
• Running race management
• Mass participation sports
• Road running events
• Charity running

Headquarters

HQ city

Leiden

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Registration Fees: Participants pay registration fees to participate in various running and walking distances. Fees vary by distance.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sales of official marathon shirts and medal engraving services.
3. Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors pay for naming rights and branding across various race distances, including SWIS for full marathon, Bunnig & Partners for half marathon, Zorg en Zekerheid for 10km, and PF Concept for 5km nightrun.
4. Pasta Party: Catering event on the Saturday before the marathon, selling meals at €19.50 per person including a drink.
5. Charitable Donations: Optional donations to the Willem Alexander Children's Hospital (WAKZ) charity integrated into registration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Leiden Marathon organizes an annual two-day running and walking sporting event held in May in Leiden, Netherlands, offering multiple race distances including a full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21km), 10km, 5km nightrun, free Corpus Kidsrun, and parallel walking distances. Operations are delivered through a foundation (Stichting Marathon Leiden) with a board, race director, supporting marathon agency, and 1,100+ volunteers, supplemented by online registration, merchandise sales, medal engraving, pasta party, and corporate team packages.

Product overview

Leiden Marathon is an annual multi-distance running and walking event held in Leiden, Netherlands. The 35th edition takes place May 9-10, 2026. The event offers a platform-plus-events architecture comprising: the core running distances (42 of SWIS marathon, 21 of Bunnig & Partners half marathon, 10 of Zorg en Zekerheid, and 5 of PF Concept nightrun), walking events, Corpus Kidsrun, and Heerema Businessloop. Add-on services include medal engraving, pasta party, official merchandise shirts, and a mobile app with live tracking. The event features approximately 1,100+ volunteers and attracts over 20,000 participants across all distances.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 42 van SWIS: The 42km full marathon distance sponsored by SWIS, the Leiden-based internet agency
• 21 van Bunnig & Partners
• 10 van Zorg en Zekerheid
• 5 van PF Concept
• Corpus Kidsrun
• Heerema Businessloop

Products and services

• 42 of SWIS (Full Marathon) The full marathon distance of 42.195 km, sponsored by SWIS. Starts at 8:30 at Koninginnelaan and finishes at Vismarkt in Leiden. Running: EUR 69.00; Walking: EUR 32.00. Time limit: 6 hours.
• 21 of Bunnig & Partners (Half Marathon) The half marathon distance of 21.097 km, sponsored by Bunnig & Partners. Starts at 10:00 at Koninginnelaan. Running: EUR 42.00; Walking: EUR 20.00. Time limit: 3 hours.
• 10 of Zorg en Zekerheid (10km) The 10 km running distance, sponsored by Zorg en Zekerheid. Starts at 13:00 at Koninginnelaan. Running: EUR 29.00; Walking: EUR 17.00. Time limit: 1.5 hours.
• 5 of PF Concept (Nightrun) The 5 km night run held on Saturday evening at 22:30, starting and finishing at Garenmarkt (Johnson & Johnson Park). EUR 16.00. No time limit. Previously known as nightrun.
• Corpus Kidsrun Children's running event of 2.1 km, starting at 15:00 on Sunday from Johnson & Johnson Park (Garenmarktplein), finishing at Vismarkt. Free participation for children up to 12 years. No time limit.
• Leiden Marathon Walking Events Walking distances of 42 km, 21 km, and 10 km held on Saturday May 9, 2026. Walking marathon starts at 8:00, half marathon at 10:30, and 10 km walk at 11:30 from Koninginnelaan. Lower fees than running variants (EUR 32 / 20 / 17).
• Heerema Businessloop Business team running event sponsored by Heerema Marine Contractors, with corporate team packages. Teams of up to 8 people for standard distances, 5 people maximum for marathon.
• Medal Engraving Service Service to engrave finish times on marathon medals. Costs EUR 10 when added during registration, or EUR 11 on event day.
• Pasta Party Pre-race pasta dinner event held on Saturday evening May 9, 2026 between 17:00-20:00 at Garenmarktplein. Includes pasta options (Penne Bolognese or Fusilli Pesto) and dessert for EUR 19.50 per person with free drink (beer, wine, soft drink).
• Leiden Marathon Mobile App Official Leiden Marathon app available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Features include live follow function to track runners and access to important information and updates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000+ participants expected for 35th edition
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Bunnig & PartnersflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 March 2026Bunnig & Partners, an accounting firm, sponsors the half marathon. The partnership was extended for three years. Partner Oscar Meijrink signed the new agreement. The accounting firm has registered 11 business teams and is located at Pompoenweg in Leiden.
• PF ConceptcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 December 2025PF Concept, a product media expert based in Leiden, is the new naming sponsor for the 5km nightrun for three years. They are experts in promotional products and recently moved from Roelofarendsveen to Leiden.
• SWISflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 March 2025SWIS, an innovative Leiden internet agency, is the main sponsor of the full marathon for three years. The 42km distance is now called '42 of SWIS'. Director and owner Matthias Snoei signed the sponsorship agreement with Tjeerd Scheffer, organizer of the Leiden Marathon. SWIS specializes in digital solutions and has strong ties with Leiden for 25 years.
• Zorg en ZekerheidflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerZorg en Zekerheid is a health insurer sponsoring the 10km distance as '10 van Zorg en Zekerheid'. They also help beginning runners prepare for the race with training programs and free race entries.
• Heerema Marine ContractorscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHeerema Marine Contractors sponsors the business loop (Heerema Businessloop) and is a head sponsor of the Leiden Marathon. They are a major industrial company with operations in the Netherlands.
• Corpus (journey through the human body)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorpus museum sponsors the free Kidsrun event for children up to 12 years. The 2.1km run starts from Johnson & Johnson Park and finishes at Vismarkt.
• Willem-Alexander Kinderziekenhuis (WAKZ)coreOthersThe official charity partner of the Leiden Marathon. Donations to support the children's hospital can be made during registration. The hospital serves children aged 0-18 and reopened recently.
• Johnson & JohnsoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerJohnson & Johnson Park (Garenmarktplein) serves as the main event area for the marathon, hosting bib pickup, bag storage, merchandise, and the Kidsrun start location.
• Gemeente LeidencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Municipality of Leiden is a special sponsor and provides support for the marathon, including road closures and local coordination.
• KPNminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKPN is a telecommunications sponsor of the Leiden Marathon, providing connectivity and promotional support.
• Hilton Garden InnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHilton Garden Inn Leiden is the preferred hotel partner, offering special rates for marathon participants and supporters.
• PowerBarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPowerBar provides sports drink (Isoactive Lemon) at aid stations along the marathon course.
• De BewegingsambassadeurscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMovement ambassadors from Leiderdorp coordinate athletics programs at schools, helping children get active and preparing them for the Kidsrun. They organize clinics in Leiden, Voorschoten, Zoeterwoude, and Leiderdorp.
• AtletiekuniecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Dutch Athletics Union supports the school program with information, knowledge, and Ren.Spring.Gooi boxes containing materials for various athletics activities.
• Red Cross LeidencoreOthersRed Cross Leiden and surroundings provides medical support during the marathon in collaboration with GHOR, RAV, and local hospitals.
• LUMC (Leiden University Medical Center)coreOthersLUMC's Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital (WAKZ) is the official charity partner. The Medical Committee includes doctors and nurses from LUMC.
• Rode KruiscoreOthersRed Cross provides medical relief support during the marathon event.
• 52grdnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Leiden company sponsoring the marathon event.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NN Marathon Rotterdam: Rotterdam's annual marathon is the largest mass-participation road running event in the Netherlands, operating the same multi-distance model (full marathon, half, 10km) with title sponsorship, registered charity partners, and elite athlete fields. Directly comparable to Leiden on structure, scale aspiration, and Dutch market dynamics.
• Marathon Eindhoven: Eindhoven's annual marathon is a Dutch regional mass-participation running event with comparable distances, city-center course, and sponsorship-driven revenue model. Closely mirrors Leiden's positioning as a mid-sized Dutch marathon outside the Amsterdam/Rotterdam top tier.
• NN CPC Loop Den Haag: The Hague's flagship mass-participation running event, organized by a Dutch foundation with multi-distance road running, title sponsorship, and a city-course format. Highly comparable to Leiden Marathon on operating model, scale, and Ranomi Kromowidjojo-style local hero integration.
• Utrecht Marathon: Utrecht's annual marathon event uses a similar multi-distance road running format, volunteer-led foundation structure, and city-center course concept. Comparable in scale, operational model, and Dutch regional positioning to Leiden.
• TCS Amsterdam Marathon: Amsterdam's flagship marathon event uses a similar multi-distance offering, elite/international positioning, and corporate sponsorship architecture. Operates in the same Dutch regulatory and sponsor market, making it a direct competitive and benchmark peer for Leiden.

Others

• TotalTiming: Race timing and online registration platform whose TotalTiming system powers Leiden Marathon's participant registration. A technology enabler rather than a competitor, but directly relevant as a vendor comparable leveraging the same underlying registration infrastructure used by many Dutch mass-participation events.
• Atletiekunie: Royal Dutch Athletics Federation, the national governing body that supports Leiden Marathon's school athletics programs and provides Ren.Spring.Gooi boxes. A federation infrastructure partner rather than a competitor, but directly relevant as the regulatory and youth-development backbone of the Dutch amateur running ecosystem in which Leiden operates.

Regional players

• Copenhagen Marathon: Annual Nordic road marathon with a multi-distance format, city-center course, and similar scale to Leiden Marathon. Comparable by operating model and event footprint, but serves a different geographic market without direct Dutch competition.

Emerging players

• Great North Run: UK-based mass-participation running event with multiple distance categories, strong charity integration, and a foundation/non-profit operating model. Comparable on multi-distance mass participation format and non-profit structure, though operating at significantly larger scale.

Broad incumbents

• BMW Berlin Marathon: One of the six World Marathon Majors, operating a full marathon with elite fields, mass participation, and deep sponsorship layers. Comparable on event-operating fundamentals but materially larger; serves as a benchmark for the upper-bound of what a Dutch marathon organization could scale into.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/leidenmarathon
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MarathonLeiden
• Facebookfacebook.com/Leidenmarathon
• Instagraminstagram.com/leidenmarathon
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leidenmarathon

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Leiden Marathon