RUN Winschoten

In line with its CSR policy, Oldenburger|Fritom is the proud title sponsor of the LutjeRUN in the Dutch city of Winschoten. The LutjeRUN is part of the RUN Winschoten and is specifically tailored for young people. RUN Winschoten held its inaugural edition in 1976 and is the oldest ultra-running event in the Netherlands, enjoying global recognition thanks to its international and national championships.

How it began in 1976

RUN Winschoten started in 1976 as a one-time initiative by Theo de Winter, the chairman of the AV Aquilo track in the Dutch city of Winschoten at the time. In 1975, De Winter visited the 100 km of Biel in Switzerland, one of the world's oldest and most legendary 100-kilometer ultra-running races. That visit laid the foundation for what was an ambitious plan for its time: a 100-kilometer running race in Winschoten. This was intended to draw attention to the club's lack of training facilities.

What began with just over 70 pioneers grew after 1990 into a certified course through the city of Winschoten, consisting of 10 laps of 10 kilometers each. RUN Winschoten became a world-renowned ultra-running event that has served—and continues to serve—as the backdrop for numerous national, European, and international championships. Today, the event attracts thousands of runners from both home and abroad, with crowds of tens of thousands of spectators.

Oldenburger|Fritom LutjeRUN

The Oldenburger|Fritom LutjeRUN holds a special place in the current RUN weekend schedule. This event on Friday afternoon officially kicks off the entire RUN weekend. The organization’s goal has always been to make running accessible to the whole family through the LutjeRUN. In short, inspiring children and teenagers between the ages of 4 and 15 to get involved in track and field is a core element. Promoting physical activity in this way aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Oldenburger|Fritom’s CSR policy.

Every year, hundreds of children and teens line up at the start, often supported by school programs and local running clinics. As a result, they get to experience the unique atmosphere of the main RUN Winschoten event, including the cheers of the crowd. At the finish line, they are awarded an official medal.

CSR

Oldenburger|Fritom believes it is important to directly connect its corporate name to the health, vitality, and fun of the region's youth. In summary, the LutjeRUN embodies exactly what Oldenburger|Fritom’s CSR policy stands for. Additionally, Oldenburger|Fritom is proud to help keep this historic running event in the Dutch province of Groningen accessible for future generations.