Run with the Lizard
The Mergellandmarathon will be held in the pleasant town of Meerssen. Start at 13.00 hour at the Marketplace in the shadow of the Basilica dating from the 13th century. This Marathon which is rated under the most beautiful and challenging ones of the Netherlands goes through the marl hills of Southern Limburg and takes an altitude difference of about 350 meters. It consists of 3 round of 5, 20 and 17 km respectively, which all pass over the Market and go over asphalt roads and cycling paths.
At the Marketplace you will be welcomed each time by live music and enthusiastic supporters who will give you power for the next round. Music will be present in the small towns you will cross during your race.
Along the course each km is marked, each 5 km you will find a refreshment post with sportsdrink and water, at some spots also cola and fruits. First aid is present at each refreshment post and specialised doctors may stimulate those athletes that pass their physical borders to step out the race. A "broom" car picks up the dropouts, so you don't have to fear to get lost if you get into trouble.
For most participants participating and finishing is the goal of the day. So there is a very congenial atmosphere. As the organisers do not pay any starting fee or travel expenses to anybody, each participant is important to us, and each finisher gets a warm welcome by the public and the speaker.
For the winners there is a decent prize money, about 2000 Euro altogether, which will be shared by the first 10 finishers overall and the different age groups. For the ladies there is an overall rating only. Winning lady and winning man receive the same prize!
Each participant receives the Mergellandmarathon T-shirt and each finisher will be decorated with the Mergellandmarathon medal.
There is also the possibility to finish after 25 km, or to participate in a 10 km race which will be held during the marathon.
Entrance fee
Marathon Eur 15,00
After the end of August the fees will be:
To be paid at picking up your number.
Accommodation at decent prizes is easy. See our Internet site for more information and reservation.
You may enter your participation also by Internet. http://run.to/mergel
or mergellandmarathon@hotmail.com
If you need more information call 0031-46 4582041 (rien alfenaar)
Remember Maestricht is the City with the highest number of pubs and terraces. It is the oldest city of the Netherlands. Meerssen is only a 3 hours drive from Calais. The race is beautiful, the people friendly, the participants very international from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. You and your friends or family will have a very good time. See you in Meerssen in September.