Running events you must experience

The spring month of March is normally a great time for running on Texel. Two challenging events are on the calendar: the Half Marathon of De Waal and the Sixty of Texel. Later in the year (September) is the unique Texel Half Marathon, starting right from the ferry. But you can also choose your own route through the woods and dunes. Here are some suggestions for a great loop.

Trails

Prefer running off-road? Texel offers stunning trail runs. In the Texel Dunes National Park, there are beautiful walking paths that are also great for running. For example, starting from the southern village of Den Hoorn. Run through the dunes to and around the Horsmeertjes, then return via the wide North Sea beach. It’s a challenging route with sandy climbs, dune paths, and soft beach sand. Starting at Hoornderslag gives you a roughly 10-kilometer loop. The views are amazing. You’ll pass lakes with a variety of birds like spoonbills, likely spot Highland cattle or Exmoor ponies, and enjoy the rugged coastline. The North Sea is different every day.

De Waal

If you prefer to go solo or with a running buddy, you can still take on the Half Marathon of De Waal. This well-known 21.1-kilometer route is traditionally held mid-March. The unpredictable spring weather can make this a tough race—especially the wind can be a key factor. The section known as "de Staart" is notorious. This long, straight stretch at the end of the race can make or break your time. A great challenge!

The Sixty of Texel

Texel also hosts an ultrarun: The Sixty of Texel. This race covers 60 or 120 kilometers—one or two loops around the island. It’s popular among ultrarunners throughout the Netherlands and fills up quickly. The route circles the outer edge of Texel, along the western beaches and the eastern dike. If 60 kilometers sounds too much, you can also join the relay: 4 x 15 kilometers. The Sixty of Texel is held every two years. The 2021 edition was postponed to March 27, 2022. A walking version of the route takes place the day before, on March 26. Want a sneak preview or try part of the route yourself? The course map is on the event website.

Rural routes

Texel also offers plenty of options for road runners. Many paved cycling paths run through the dunes, totaling about 140 kilometers of bike path. The Boerenroute (Farmer’s Route), from Oudeschild on the Wadden coast to De Waal in the center of the island, is great for running. It introduces you to rural Texel. From De Waal, follow the bike path to the Ruigendijk roundabout and either head to the seaside town of De Koog on the west coast or turn north toward De Cocksdorp. Plenty of challenges await.

Shorter runs

Prefer short distances? A relaxed loop through the forest? That’s also easy on Texel. From Vakantiehuizen Texel, you can head straight into the woods and enjoy routes from 1 to 10 kilometers. Even without navigation, it’s hard to get lost—and civilization is never far away!