The tenth edition of the Cruyff Legacy 14K was one big celebration. Over 8,000 participants lined up at the start of this year. Runners and walkers gathered at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam to take action for the Johan Cruyff Foundation. Together, they raised an incredible amount of €851.639, making sport possible for children with special needs.
Ten years ago, the run was launched in memory of Johan Cruyff, and it has since grown into an annual tradition where thousands of people get moving for his dream: making sport accessible for all children. For this edition, Marlou van Rhijn, three-time Paralympic champion, and Churandy Martina, five-time Olympian, joined as sporting directors. In the run-up to the event, they met participants with inspiring stories.
From young to old, from dedicated runners to enthusiastic walkers, together they turned it into a real celebration. Participants could choose from the 14 km Run & Walk, 5 km Run and the Kids Run in the stadium. Something for everyone.
Children had the chance to run in the Johan Cruyff ArenA, just like their favourite footballers. As many laps as possible in 20 minutes. Cheered on by family, friends and ambassadors, they were encouraged every step of the way. Esther Vergeer, Susila Cruyff and Anouk Hoogendijk were there to support the children and share in their sporting achievements.
The tenth anniversary could be felt all along the route. During the 14K and 5K Run, the Party Pacers joined in. Not quiet pacers, but real mood makers who set the pace together and turned it into a celebration along the way. With music, energy and a great sense of fun, they kept everyone moving.
In Betondorp, Johan Cruyff’s birthplace, the atmosphere was just as special. The 14K Run and Walk routes passed key places from his life. They went by his childhood home, where children were showing off their keepy-uppy skills this year. And on the Cruyff Court, a football tournament between local residents took place.
The Cruyff Legacy 14K has grown into much more than just a sporting event. It is an annual moment where we celebrate the legacy of Johan Cruyff and take action together. Together, we raise funds so we can continue creating space worldwide for children for whom sport is not a given, such as children with a disability or those growing up in underserved communities.
What a day like this shows is how sport truly brings people together. Everywhere you look, you see joy, connection and new energy. Exactly the power Johan Cruyff always believed in.
On to the Cruyff Legacy 14K 2027!
The Cruyff Legacy 14K was made possible in part by our main partners AFC Ajax, Basic-Fit, OTTO Workforce and PwC.