History

Here is the English translation of the history text, keeping the tone closely matched to the original Dutch text:

The first Veluweloop was organized in 1980 and attracted 78 teams. The Wageningen approach was that, as a counterpart to the Batavierenrace, there should also be a relay race for anyone interested, not just for students. In those early years, master plans and procedures were unheard of, which meant a lot relied on the creativity and insight of the committee. Over the course of fifteen consecutive years, the route was only altered here and there: starting early in the morning in Arnhem, covering sixteen stages via the Posbank to Lunteren, and finishing in Wageningen after more than 100 kilometers.

The number of teams grew to over 250; figures we do not reach at the moment.

It wasn't until 1991 that the separate cycling classification and the 'cycling teams' concept were launched, although some teams had already been mapping out their own cycling routes and exchange schedules before then. Over time, the linear route wore down many participants. On top of that, the organization ran into logistical issues.

Because of this, the route underwent a complete overhaul in 1996. The start moved to Wageningen, and the course took on a figure-eight shape with a central gathering point in Arnhem. This way, participants didn't have to visit every single exchange point, and shortcuts could be taken.

Increasing study pressures, an aging population, a collapsing economy… the most diverse and dramatic reasons have been suggested for the plummeting participation numbers, but what was the exact cause? In 2002, a minimum number of committee members couldn't even be found, leading to the decision to cancel the run that year.

Since then, the route has been shortened to 12 stages totaling over 80 kilometers, and team leader surveys continuously map out the wishes of the participants. In 2004, two new restart points were introduced around Arnhem: the Open Air Museum and IPC Groene Ruimte, which was celebrating its anniversary at the time.

To this day, Schaarsbergen (Vredenoord) remains the restart point where participants can cheer on their teammates for the final stretch and watch them head off again. In the meantime, there is naturally plenty of opportunity to discuss all the adventures surrounding the Veluweloop together!

For the past few years, the number of teams has been rising again, and the organization is managing to attract more student teams; partly because the organizational board has once again consisted entirely of students since 2018.

In 2019, for instance, no fewer than 91 teams participated in the Veluweloop. And as of 2025, this grew to 126 teams, including several long-distance teams. This year, we hope to welcome at least as many teams as last year!

Many teams have been participating in the Veluweloop for years and have their own rich Veluweloop history. Other teams, such as those from student associations, also participate every year, but always with a new lineup: members who have graduated and new enthusiastic runners who take their place.

We, as the organizational board, hope that nature will call again this October and that a lot more history will be written.

"Laat je niet opjagen!"