How can you run a marathon on your balcony or in your back garden? It'll be possible in a week and a half during the Saxion MaratHOME! Smart Solutions students Saskia, Saskia, Michelle, Suzanne, Maike, Jesper and Björn were inspired by a sporty Frenchman to come up with an initiative to get people moving during the corona crisis.
Hi Björn, what’s going to happen, exactly?
“Saxion MaratHOME will take place on Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17. Over these two days, we are inviting everyone to run a certain distance - it doesn't have to be a whole marathon - in your flat, garden or on the treadmill. You can also go outside and walk with someone, but only within the bounds of the set corona measures, of course. So look for paths or roads which are not busy. You can also participate by Nordic walking or inline skating. Ultimately, you will have to keep track of the time and distance yourself via an app or watch. ”
How did you come up with the idea?
“Our original plan was to make a smarter and more future-oriented event from the Enschede Marathon during the Smart Solutions Semester. That was cancelled of course and we were unable to carry out many of our plans. At first we were disappointed, but then we started thinking about ways we could save our project and motivate other people to stay fit. Ultimately, we were inspired by a Frenchman who ran an entire marathon on a treadmill from his own balcony. ”
It’s open to everyone, regardless of age, nationality, place of residence, walking pace or involvement with Saxion.
Are there prizes to be won?
“Oh yes. Runners, and not only the fastest runners, can win some exciting prizes, and anyone who participated will receive a certificate. After the MaratHOME you will receive an email with adocument in which you can record your time and distance. You will then receive a personal certificate. Of course, we won’t be able to verify whether the times and distances submitted are correct, so we will have to rely on the honesty of the participants. The main goal of the event is not to win after all, but to keep moving despite the corona crisis. ”
How can people sign up?
“Registration is free and can be done via the registration form. We have also written a manual: "How to keep fit and healthy at home" where you can find information about health, nutrition and what kind of sportswear you can wear while exercising. On the Saxion Buddy Box Instagram and Facebook pages, we will post content that may be helpful to participants during preparation for the event. And of course make sure to follow the Instagram account of Saxion during the MaratHOME. ”
Who can participate?
“It’s open to everyone, regardless of age, nationality, place of residence, walking pace or involvement with Saxion. You can also try to run an actual marathon distance by adding together all the distances run with friends or family members Basically: the more, the merrier! ”
Want to compete in the MaratHOME?
Sign up!