In addition to the lack of registrations from students, the stricter safety and environmental requirements have also proven to be a hot topic in allowing the sports event to take place. The organization will now investigate the possibility of an alternative event instead of the regular race.
Last call
For more than fifty years, the Batavierenrace has been the largest student event in the Netherlands, attracting about 8500 people every year. At the end of September, the foundation board made a final appeal to get the organizing committee done and save the race. It was a silent hope, because it did not result in enough registrations.
The coming year will be dominated by this innovation and improvement, the foundation board reports in a press release. The board indicates that 'they are working a new organisational form. The goal is to make the race future-proof." Former organisers, volunteers and partners from the sports and events sectors, among others, will be involved.
Two weeks ago, during the University Council, Rector Tom Veldkamp responded to the uncertainty surrounding the organisation of the Batavierenrace. 'We were surprised by the news that the Batavierenrace might not take place. We, as the Executive Board, also heard the message late. It's not just about the lack of activism, it's also about the sponsorship. Together with Nijmegen, we are concerned about this, but unfortunately we can't do anything and we don't have a solution', was Veldkamp's response.
