hardlopen zonder grenzen: nk running blind 2026 tijdens dam tot damloop
Zaandam, zaterdag, 18 april 2026.
voor het eerst wordt het nk running blind 2026 georganiseerd tijdens de 40e editie van de nn dam tot damloop. het iconische hardloopevenement op 19 en 20 september in zaandam biedt een officieel kampioenschapspodium aan lopers met een visuele beperking. ruim 65.000 deelnemers worden verwacht. speciale voorzieningen zoals startnummers in braille, aparte startvakken en een buddy-systeem zorgen voor een veilige en inclusieve ervaring. het initiatief is een samenwerking tussen nationale-nederlanden, fonds gehandicaptensport en stichting running blind. in nederland leven zo’n 150.000 blinden en 250.000 ernstig slechtzienden. het evenement markeert een stap voorwaarts in de integratie van atleten met een visuele beperking in de mainstream sportwereld. tom limmen, race director van de dam tot damloop, noemt het een logisch gevolg van jarenlang streven naar meer inclusiviteit. mariëlle krouwel van nn benadrukt dat sport voor iedereen moet zijn.
historic milestone for inclusive running
The 40th edition of the NN Dam tot Damloop marks a historic moment by hosting the NK Running Blind 2026 championship for the first time. Held on September 19–20, 2026, in Zaandam, the event integrates elite competition for visually impaired athletes into its official program [1]. This inclusion aligns with broader efforts to expand accessibility in mass sports. Over 65,000 participants are expected across the weekend’s races [1][4]. The move underscores a growing commitment to equal opportunity in athletics.
tailored support for visually impaired athletes
To ensure full participation, organizers implemented specialized accommodations for runners with visual impairments. These include braille-printed bib numbers, dedicated starting zones, and a formalized guide runner system known as the buddy-systeem [1][4]. Athletes also benefit from a separate reception area and targeted training programs leading up to the race [4]. Such measures aim to enhance safety and confidence during the 10 English Mile course from Amsterdam to Zaandam [1][4]. These provisions reflect evolving standards in adaptive sports infrastructure.
collaborative effort to broaden access
The successful integration of the national blind running championship results from close collaboration between key organizations. Nationale-Nederlanden (NN), Fonds Gehandicaptensport—also known as Uniek Sporten—and Stichting Running Blind jointly developed the framework for the initiative [1][4][5]. NN Group representative Mariëlle Krouwel emphasized that sport should be accessible to everyone [1][4]. Their partnership enables structural support for regional Running Blind chapters via the Uniek Sporten platform [4]. This alliance strengthens long-term athlete development pathways.
a national need driving change
Approximately 150,000 people in the Netherlands are completely blind, while around 250,000 live with severe low vision [1][4]. These figures highlight the importance of creating inclusive sporting opportunities tailored to diverse abilities [1][4]. By hosting the NK Running Blind 2026, the Dam tot Damloop responds directly to this societal demand [1][5]. Race Director Tom Limmen described the decision as a natural extension of Le Champion’s ongoing mission to promote inclusivity in sports [1][4]. The event sets a precedent for future editions of major Dutch road races.
leadership voices on inclusion
Leaders from both organizing and sponsoring bodies expressed strong support for the initiative. Tom Limmen, Race Director of the NN Dam tot Damloop, stated the organization has long prioritized inclusivity, making this expansion a seamless fit [1][4]. He called the 40th anniversary an especially meaningful occasion to introduce such programming [1]. Mariëlle Krouwel of NN Group affirmed their belief that sport belongs to everyone [1][4]. She noted the partnership helps create conditions where visually impaired runners can participate confidently and achieve personal goals [1][4].