Maybe there will be a smaller "Bata"
Batavieren Race cancelled
Volunteers bake pancakes during Batavieren Race. Photo: DUB
The 53rd edition of the running festival, in which around 8,500 students participate each year, was scheduled for May 9 and 10. Many UU students have travelled to the east of the country in the past to take part in the two-day running event. Last year, DUB followed "Team Utrecht".
Shortly after the summer, it became clear that the relay race between the two university cities was in danger of being cancelled. Two weeks ago, the foundation board made a final emergency appeal to recruit members for the organising "Bata committee".
To no avail. According to the foundation board, the pressure to perform well in their studies and the threat of a fine for students who take longer to graduate are causing interested students to drop out.
In addition to the lack of organisers, regulations regarding environmental and safety requirements also are also making the organisation of a 176-kilometre running competition between two cities very hard. It is proving increasingly difficult to obtain the necessary permits.
However, the foundation board has not completely given up hope. There is no definitive end to the race. An update on Instagram states that although there will be no event this year, “the future is being built”. They don't exclude the possibility of organising a smaller "Bata" event in the spring, for example.