8,000 runners and 3,000 walkers experience the finish line moment in vibrant Hilversum

- Record amount of more than € 100,000 for Stichting Kinderen Kankervrij during the 21st KiKa Hilversum City Run -

Today, the Media City of the Netherlands turned for one day into the Sports City of het Gooi and surroundings, with Hilversum residents young and old taking to their feet en masse. The 21st KiKa Hilversum City Run was kicked off at 8:00 a.m. by the first group of enthusiastic walkers. After a sold-out walking premiere last year, there were no fewer than four walking distances ahead of the running program in the broadcasting city this year. Alongside the walkers, around 8,000 runners took to the starting line this year for the 5 and 10 km, the Bink Kids Run, and the Family Run — which together made for a very successful edition!

With great interest in the walking event, 3,000 walkers started throughout the morning on routes of 25, 19, and 11 km and the 6 km Family Walk. Following an unsettled start for the walking participants, the sun broke through around eleven thirty. Meanwhile, almost 2,000 excited and enthusiastic kids were already eager to line up at the Marktplein from 10:30 a.m. As the fine weather arrived, the city also filled with spectators who cheered the participants on with loud cheers along the course.

The starting shot for the Bink Kids Run was fired by Alderwoman Jacqueline Kalk, who briefly gave the young participants encouraging words after the warm-up. Over distances of 800 and 1,500 meters, children aged 4 to 13 took on their athletic challenge full of energy.
In the afternoon, it was the turn of the adult runners: the sold-out running event got underway with the starting shot for the 5 km given by Matthijs Mennes, director of organizer Le Champion. A proud Mayor of Hilversum, Gerhard van der Top, then sounded the starting shot for the 10 km and watched his Hilversum residents depart to loud applause from the crowd.

Starting from the vibrant heart of the event, the business teams and recreational runners tackled a stunning course featuring highlights such as the iconic Beeld & Geluid in the Media Park, the Town Hall, past the Grote Kerk, and through the festive Bloemenkwartier. With an outstanding atmosphere along the course and great conviviality at the lively Marktplein, this popular running festival can once again be hailed as a resounding success.

In the 10 km race, Pim Gouw crossed the finish line solo in a time of 31.23 minutes. Christine Bosch took top honors in the women's race with a finishing time of 34.55 minutes.

Record proceeds for KiKa
Thanks to all donations, an impressive check was handed over to Remko Veenstra of KiKa in the afternoon amid loud cheers, featuring the fantastic amount of € 101,783.56! The funds raised will be fully dedicated to scientific research into childhood cancer. 100% cure of childhood cancer—that is the goal, and all the runners, walkers, and donors of the 21st KiKa Hilversum City Run have made a wonderful contribution toward it.

2026 Edition
The next edition of the KiKa Hilversum City Run will take place in April 2026. Keep an eye on the website and social media channels for more information or subscribe to the newsletter.