2025 City-Pier-City Half Marathon The Hague – Flat, Fast, and World-Class
The City-Pier-City (CPC) Half Marathon in The Hague is gearing up for its 49th edition on March 9, 2025, and all signs point to a thrilling race day. This historic event – first run in 1975 – has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious road races, earning a spot among My Best Runs’ “World’s Best 100 Races” . With its lightning-fast course, deep elite field, and tens of thousands of enthusiastic participants, the 2025 NN CPC Loop Den Haag (as it’s officially known) promises to kick off the running season in spectacular fashion .
A Storied Race with Global Prestige
Founded in 1975 as a 14.5 km run (extended to the half marathon distance in 1976), the City-Pier-City Loop has a rich heritage . Over the decades it has frequently hosted the Dutch National Half Marathon Championships , and its honor roll reads like a who’s who of road racing. In earlier years, Dutch legends dominated – Carla Beurskens and Marti ten Kate each won this race four times – underscoring the event’s significance in the Netherlands’ running scene. Since the 1990s, a wave of African talent has taken over the podium, and the race gained international prominence as a proving ground for fast times. Today, the CPC Half Marathon stands shoulder to shoulder with other marquee events (it’s listed alongside races like the Barcelona and Lisbon half marathons on the global calendar) , revered for its unique combination of speed, history, and citywide enthusiasm.
Flat-Out Fast: Course and Records
True to its name, the City-Pier-City course takes runners from the historic city center of The Hague out to the seaside Scheveningen Pier and back, all on pancake-flat roads. The route’s minimal elevation change and straight stretches make it one of the fastest half marathon courses in the world . It’s no coincidence that astounding records have been set here: the men’s course record is an eye-popping 58:33, run by Kenya’s Sammy Wanjiru in 2007 . That mark was a world record at the time, signaling to the globe just how quick this race can be. On the women’s side, the fastest time ever on the course dates back even further – a 1:06:56 by Lornah Kiplagat in 2000 . Kiplagat’s performance (as a Kenyan-born Dutch athlete) surpassed Tegla Loroupe’s 1998 event record and has stood for a quarter century as the target for every elite woman who toes the line in The Hague.
These record times, especially Wanjiru’s historic run, cement the CPC Half Marathon’s status as a fast track – a place where elites come to chase personal bests and even world records . The mostly flat terrain means athletes can employ aggressive pacing strategies, but they must also factor in the North Sea breeze; a windy day on the exposed sections toward the Pier can add an extra tactical layer. When conditions are right, however, the times speak for themselves – this course begs for speed.
2025 Elite Field: Records in Sight
The 2025 edition has assembled another world-class field, and both the men’s and women’s races could produce fireworks. In the men’s competition, last year’s runner-up, Mustafa Kedir of Ethiopia, is returning with his sights on the top spot. Kedir clocked a 1:00:48 personal best here in 2024 , and he’s hungry to go even faster. He’ll be challenged by Kenya’s Erick Sang, the lone entrant boasting a sub-60 minute credential (59:50 PR).
Sang’s pedigree raises the tantalizing prospect of the first sub-hour finishing time in The Hague in several years. In fact, race director Marc Corstjens has indicated that the men intend to set off at a blistering pace targeting a sub-60 result, aiming to “break the drought” of sub-hour performances in recent editions . With Kedir, Sang, and a cohort of other speedy entrants pushing the tempo, the 1:00:00 barrier could very well fall. Notably absent is last year’s champion, Olympic marathon medalist Abdi Nageeye, but his shadow looms large – in 2024 Nageeye thrilled the home crowds by winning in 1:00:21, a new Dutch national record . That achievement has set the bar high for the 2025 contenders, both international and domestic, to keep the winning time around the hour mark or faster.
On the women’s side, an exciting duel is anticipated between two rising stars who have the longstanding course record in their crosshairs. Aberash Shilima of Ethiopia and Emily Chebet of Kenya come in as co-favorites, each owning personal bests in the 1:07 range . Both women are in form and have signaled their intent to attack not only their own PBs but also the 1:06:56 course record of Lornah Kiplagat. According to the elite start lists, Shilima and Chebet are so evenly matched that they may work together or relentlessly push each other, which could yield something special on race day . In 2024, the women’s winning time was 1:07:12 (by Kenya’s Susan KEMBOI Chembai), coming tantalizingly close to the record.
Now in 2025, with Shilima and Chebet aiming for the mid-66 minute range, there is a real buzz that this could be the year the 25-year-old women’s mark finally tumbles.
Both athletes have international victories on their resume – for instance, Shilima dominated the Madrid Half Marathon last year – and they thrive in competitive environments, so a head-to-head battle on the flat streets of The Hague could produce one of the fastest half marathon times of the year.
The supporting cast in the elite field adds depth and intrigue to the race dynamics. In the women’s race, pacers will likely set an honest early tempo to facilitate the record attempt, and any slip by the favorites could open the door for others. A few experienced names from abroad, like Germany’s Gesa Krause (a two-time European steeplechase champion stepping up to the half marathon) and Sweden’s Sanna Mustonen, are also slated to run . While they may not threaten the East Africans for the win, their presence adds an extra international flavor and could spur the top women to keep the pace red-hot. Overall, the elite lineup for 2025 underscores the race’s significance: it’s a coveted fast course that attracts athletes looking to make headlines. As the race organizers proudly note, the CPC Half is “internationally known for its top-tier half marathon” – and this year’s elite field is living up to that reputation, with record-breaking ambitions on full display.
Homegrown Heroes and the Dutch Running Scene
One of the aspects that makes the City-Pier-City Half Marathon special is the intersection of international excellence with local talent. The Netherlands’ running elite has long used this event as a measuring stick, and 2025 will feature a strong contingent of Dutch runners vying for top honors amid the global stars. Leading the charge for the home nation on the women’s side is Jacelyn Gruppen, the newly anointed Dutch favorite. Gruppen clocked a personal best of 1:10:35 in Valencia last fall , and she’ll be keen to improve on that in front of a home crowd. Hot on her heels is Olympian Anne Luijten, who placed third here last year with 1:10:39 – virtually neck-and-neck with Gruppen’s best.
The domestic rivalry doesn’t end there: another Tokyo Olympian, Jill Holterman (PB 1:11:41), returns to the CPC where she set her lifetime best back in 2020 . These three – Gruppen, Luijten, and Holterman – will be locked in a battle to be the top Dutch finisher, a race within the race that always captivates local fans. Their performances also serve as an inspiration for the broader Dutch running community, showing that international-caliber times are within reach for homegrown athletes. And if anyone can challenge the East African favorites from the European side, it could be one of these in-form Dutchwomen seizing the moment. (It was only two years ago that Dutch marathon star Nienke Brinkman delighted spectators by winning the 2023 CPC Half Marathon outright , an achievement that still echoes as motivation for her compatriots lining up this year.)
On the men’s side, the Dutch contingent features a mix of experienced marathoners and up-and-coming talent ready to make a statement. All eyes will be on Nik Lemmink, a 24-year-old from Groningen, who is making his half marathon debut after turning heads with a blistering 28:17 10K earlier this season . Lemmink’s entry has generated excitement – there’s nothing quite like a debutante with serious speed to keep the veterans honest. Pushing him will be the current national half marathon champion Luuk Maas, who brings a solid 1:03:20 credential to the line . Also in the mix are seasoned road runners Bjorn Koreman (1:02:45 PB) and Roy Hoornweg (1:03:48 PB), both of whom have performed well on this course before . Koreman recently placed 5th at the Egmond Half Marathon, and Hoornweg was 6th here in The Hague last year , so each will be looking to crack into higher placings this time. While none of the Dutch men are expected to outrun the 59–60-minute East African elites on sheer time, the top domestic runners often find themselves pulled to personal bests by the swift pace.
And with Abdi Nageeye’s Dutch record fresh in the books, there’s a sense of a new benchmark for Dutch distance running excellence. The friendly rivalry among the local athletes – essentially a race for the unofficial Dutch title of the day – adds an extra layer of competition. It also energizes the home crowd: spectators here love to cheer on their “orangje” heroes just as loudly as the international frontrunners.
Historically, the CPC Half Marathon has been a showcase for Dutch distance running prowess, and 2025 continues that tradition. From the days when legends like ten Kate and Beurskens repeatedly broke the tape , to recent years where athletes like Nageeye and Brinkman have stolen the headlines, the event highlights the strength of the Dutch running scene. It’s not just about importing Kenyan and Ethiopian stars; it’s about motivating the local club runners and elites to raise their game. This year’s field of Dutch talent is poised to do just that, using the international competition as fuel and perhaps securing a few top-10 overall finishes in the process.
Mass Participation and Electric Atmosphere
While the spotlight often shines on the elite racers at the CPC Loop, the heartbeat of this event is its massive and passionate participation base. The 2025 race is completely sold out , and organizers expect around 30,000 runners to flood the streets of The Hague across all categories. From the half marathon to the 10K, 5K, youth runs, and even a “CPC4ALL” race for special participants, the day is a true festival of running . In recent editions, the turnout has been spectacular: the 45th anniversary race in 2020 drew about 35,000 participants despite some rain and wind , and last year’s spring edition saw over 27,000 runners celebrating together under sunny skies . The sheer scale of the field makes it one of the largest running events in the Netherlands, and certainly one of the biggest half marathons in Europe.
What truly sets the CPC Half Marathon apart is the atmosphere that both runners and spectators create. The race starts and finishes at the Malieveld – a large park in the city – which transforms into a buzzing runners’ village on race day. Along the course, locals line up to cheer, bands play music, and volunteers offer enthusiastic support at water stations. The route’s blend of city and seaside provides an engaging backdrop: runners dash past historic buildings downtown and then feel the salty breeze as they approach the Scheveningen coast, often greeted by crowds even on the beachfront. This combination of urban and coastal scenery keeps the energy high. Many participants describe the vibe as uniquely Dutch – inclusive, friendly, and celebratory. It’s common to see families making a day of it, whether running or cheering.
In fact, the event explicitly prides itself on being “a running festival for athletes of all ages” and “truly a family event,” featuring the largest school run in the country as part of the weekend . The night before the race, hundreds even join a festive City-Pier Night Walk, underscoring how the whole weekend has a carnival-like feel for the city’s residents and visitors alike.
For runners in the pack, the CPC Half offers the chance to chase personal records on a fast course with excellent support. Many hobby runners achieve their best times here each year, inspired by the world-class performances happening at the front and propelled by the encouragement all around them. The flat course that entices elites to run 60 or 70 minutes also helps everyday runners hit their goals – it’s a win-win for performance at every level. And no matter if a participant is finishing in just under an hour or closer to three hours, they’re guaranteed a hero’s welcome down the final stretch at Malieveld. The finish line atmosphere is often described as electric: announcers calling out names, spectators packed several deep, and music pumping as medals are earned. As one report aptly put it, “it’s a celebration to take part” in the CPC Loop Den Haag . That celebratory spirit is a big reason the event sees so many runners return year after year.
A Marquee Event on the Spring Calendar
?In the international running calendar, the City-Pier-City Half Marathon holds a special early-year slot that often produces season-defining performances. Taking place in mid-March, it serves as an ideal tune-up for spring marathons or a prime opportunity for track athletes to test their fitness on the roads.
The race’s timing, fast profile, and competitive depth have made it a magnet for record attempts – not just the world record that famously occurred here in 2007, but also national records (as seen with Nageeye in 2024) and countless personal bests. It’s no surprise that many of the world’s best use The Hague as a proving ground; as the organizers like to remind us, this “classic The Hague run kicks off your running season” in style . In 2025, with concurrent half marathons in Lisbon, Barcelona, and other cities around the globe, the CPC Loop Den Haag still manages to stand out. It offers a unique blend of fast times and festive atmosphere that few races can match, which is why it continues to be ranked among the very best and most interesting races worldwide .
All these factors – history, speed, elite showdowns, local passion, and mass appeal – converge on March 9. The stage is set for yet another memorable chapter in the CPC Half Marathon’s legacy. Will we see the men dip under 60 minutes again? Can the women finally break that long-standing course record? How many thousands will achieve their own running milestones that day? The answers will unfold on the streets of The Hague, amid roaring crowds and springtime excitement. One thing is certain: the 2025 City-Pier-City Half Marathon will be a day to remember, reaffirming its reputation as one of the world’s best running events – flat, fast, and absolutely unforgettable.
posted Thursday February 27th