Anniversary edition of the Leiden Science Run raises record sum for vulnerable children
Smiling faces, sweltering heat and a record-breaking donation – that was the Leiden Science Run 2025. On Saturday 21 June, the Leiden Bio Science Park turned bright orange as enthusiastic runners completed 4.5 kilometres to support research for vulnerable children.
Dark blue flags bearing Leiden University’s anniversary logo flutter across the Campus Square. This edition of the Science Run is a special one: in honour of the university’s 450th anniversary, all proceeds go to the LUF Children’s Fund. The square quickly fills with bright orange shirts, with most runners choosing to wear the official Leiden Science Run T-shirt.
As is tradition, Natascha van Nieuwenhuizen from the University Sports Centre leads the warm-up. With DJ Teddie Heart behind the decks, the lawn soon becomes a sea of bouncing participants.
Due to the tropical temperatures, the schedule was adjusted: the race started two hours earlier and runners from each team began at ten-minute intervals instead of running a relay. But the change in format didn’t dampen the atmosphere. The square buzzed with energy, cheerful chatter and excited anticipation.
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Natascha from USC provided the warm-up, as is tradition -
At a science faculty, don't be surprised to see signs like this -
And the runners are off! -
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Bringing people together through sport – right here in the Bio Science Park
Participants came from all corners of the Leiden Bio Science Park and beyond. From students and researchers to company employees, children and professors: some teams even spanned multiple generations. Sport brings people together, and that was clearly felt on Saturday. Running side by side in a special place, for a special cause.
From start to finish and everything in between
The route took runners through the heart of the Bio Science Park. Faculty dean Jasper Knoester and LUF director Lilian Visscher had the honour of presenting each finisher with a shiny medal. Some runners crossed the line with a cheer, others clearly exhausted – but all proud.
Even the final finishers received a warm welcome. Thanks to the MYLAPS timing system, event hosts Lisa Pomp and Timo Fleischer could cheer on each participant by name. Once everyone had rehydrated and grabbed a banana, the crowd gathered on the lawn for the prize ceremony.
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Lilian Visscher and Jasper Knoester hand out the medals -
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Fast times despite the heat
Team Preneurs had taken part twice before – placing second and third. This year, the saying proved true: third time’s the charm. They won with a total time of 1:07:36. Among the individual runners, Martijn Nagtegaal (LUMC Gorter Center) recorded the fastest men’s time (15:30) and Annemoon Roeland (Wild types) the fastest women’s time (18:31). The race for the top fundraiser was also close. In a tight contest with Team Levensloopzorg, SV-Nucleus came out on top, raising an impressive €1,198 for the LUF Children’s Fund.
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Fastest team: Team Preneurs (01:07:36) -
Fastest man: Martijn Nagtegaal (00:15:30) -
Fastest woman: Annemoon Roeland (00:18:31) -
Most money raised: SV-Nucleus (€1198)
A record amount raised for vulnerable children
Dean Jasper Knoester and paediatric haematologist Anne de Pagter (Erasmus MC and LUMC) took the stage to reveal the total amount raised. De Pagter, who is supported by the LUF Children’s Fund in her work to improve care for vulnerable children, addressed the crowd: ‘Across the university, we’re joining forces to support all children who can benefit from our strong legs, strong shoulders and sharp minds. We do this together: faculties, companies, the entire Bio Science Park.’
Then a large group of children stepped onto the stage to accept the cheque. The Leiden Science Run raised a record-breaking €14,736.
De Pagter closed with a hopeful message: ‘We’re doing this so that in the future, not only you can run here, but also the children we’re supporting today.’ Before the hottest part of the day arrived, everyone made their way home – with medals around their necks, smiles on their faces, and hopefully feet up in the shade. Well deserved.
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