The idea originated years ago on the terrace of party hall 't Ven on Straelseweg in 't Ven. A group of ladies were sitting here enjoying the Nijmegen Marikenloop, which they had participated in together earlier that day. "We should do the same in 't Ven!" After all, quite a few people lived in 't Ven who were into running. And organising a race like that... that shouldn't be a problem either.
After months of hard work, the event could start. Two distances were run: the 5 and the 10 km. Over a course of 2.5 km via a circle around the church. A short course with the advantage that it was easy to provide atmosphere along the sidelines. After all, the Kwaakerrun was meant to be an enjoyable sporting event.
The first Kwaakerrun in 2010, was a hit. Some three hundred participants registered at the start. The reactions of runners and public were enthusiastic. It tasted like more. The ladies decided to make it an annual event. After many successful editions, the Kwaakerrun has become a side-event of the Venloop as of 1 January 2019. Meanwhile, the twelfth edition is already scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2022.
In addition to the 5 and 10 km, a 15 km and several children's runs are now on the Sunday programme. And on Saturday, a 15 km walk will take place with delicious snacks along the route. There are many wonderful prizes to be given away, made available by sponsors. The streets are beautifully decorated - which is encouraged with a street prize, there is live music by joekskapellen and an afterparty with a well-known artist.
The Kwaakerrun has come of age and is the start of the Venlo running and walking season.
The 13th edition of the Gipmans Young Plants Kwaakerrun will be organised on the weekend of Saturday 16 September and Sunday 17 September 2023.
