History
In August 1985, several clubs in Holten, initiated by swimming instructor Peter Corstanje, organized the first (mini)Triathlon in Holten around Recreatiebad Twenhaarsveld. This new sporting event was still modest in setup but immediately attracted over 150 participants.
In the following years, the event continued to grow both in terms of organization and participant level. By the 3rd triathlon in 1987, due to the increasing participation of Holten residents, the still highly successful Holten Championship was established.
Another milestone was reached at the 5th triathlon in 1989: the move to the village center. For the audience, this change was a great improvement. Coupled with the high level of interest, the typical ‘triathlon atmosphere’ developed around and in the center of the village in the following years, one of the most attractive aspects of the Triathlon Holten.
The sporting recognition was also evident from the fact that we were awarded the organization of the Open Dutch Championship Olympic Distance by the Dutch Triathlon Bond (NTB) for the years 1999, 2000, and 2001.
The sporting aspect
Since 2002, the Triathlon Holten has been included in the Points Races Circuit of the International Triathlon Union (ITU). In 2009, Holten hosted the European Championship on the Olympic distance. From 2010 onwards, the Triathlon Holten annually hosts the Europe Triathlon Premium Cup.
Quantitatively, there has been unprecedented growth. Every year in January, all recreational start series are often fully booked. Not only by Holten residents themselves (each year there are 2 blocks of the 1/8th triathlon reserved for Holten residents) but throughout the Netherlands, the Triathlon Holten is tremendously popular. The inclusion of the Holterberg in the cycling course in 2001 is partly responsible for this. All in all, the International Triathlon Holten is not only a top European competition but also one of the largest triathlons in the Netherlands.
The Triathlon Holten is therefore a sports festival for athletes and the public rather than just a sports competition.
In 2025, we celebrate our 40th anniversary and in 2026, the 40th edition of the Triathlon Holten is expected to take place (in 2021 the triathlon did not occur due to corona measures). And we’re going to celebrate! Keep an eye on the website for more information!
