the Twentse Smokkeltraill definitely on the 1 november 2026

Final Date: 1st November 2026

the Twentse Smokkeltrail

The Twentse Smokkeltrail guarantees a sporty re-experience of the old smuggling past in the border area of Losser and Grafschaft Bentheim. It is a small-scale and sociable event, organised by volunteers. The trail is more than 90% off road! New for 2026 is the Kidstrail for primary school children.

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Extra distance in 2026!

22 km trail run

Are you ready for a new challenge? Then the new 22 km medium-distance trail run in 2026 might be for you! Over mainly unpaved paths and roads, you will experience a varied and challenging journey through nature. A distance that commands respect, yet is surprisingly achievable for many runners. Do you dare to take it on?

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Trail run for children (ages 4–12)

Kidstrail

There’s plenty of fun in store for the youngest adventurers, too! The Kids’ Trail offers children a playful and relaxed introduction to trail running. Kids aged 4 to 8 run a fun 800-meter course. If you’re between 9 and 12 years old, an extra-challenging 1,000-meter course awaits. Lace up your trainers and enjoy an active adventure in the great outdoors!

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Registration open from 1st July

Hiking trail

Do you love hiking, beautiful nature, and Twente hospitality? Then join us on the 22 or 14 km route of the Twentse Smokkeltrail. Experience the thrill of smuggling and visit beautiful spots that have been opened up for a one-time event by private landowners. You will enjoy the journey immensely.

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Smuggle history of Losser

Nothing more adventurous than running through north-east Twente, the smuggling area of our country. Over narrow winding paths, ditches, streams, farms, illegal distilleries and over small bridges, this is where butter, coffee, sugar, gin and even women were smuggled back and forth over the centuries in the days when Corona was just a woman's name.

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Twentse Smokkeltrail is an event of Iphitos logo

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'k kom oet Losser en 'k wet van niks

This is a well-known saying from the former Smuggling past of the municipality of Losser. Smugglers regularly had to appear in court in Almelo. These always played dumb and said they knew nothing about it. Hence the judge at one point used the statement against the accused " 'k kom oet Losser en 'k wet van niks"!

Hence the name of our Trailrun which is dedicated to smuggling. And it is with great pleasure that we organise for the sixth time this beautiful trail which consists of the following five parts:

27 KM Trailrun

This trail run is suitable exclusively for experienced runners. The route consists of 90% unpaved paths and leads over uneven, varied terrain with many singletracks. It is a unique route that takes you to places where you are normally not allowed to go as a runner. For lovers of nature and winding forest paths, this is a special experience. This time, we run around several beautiful natural ponds in a magnificent, pristine forest. Along the way, we pass idyllic ditches and cross a farmyard.

22 KM Trailrun

A new addition in 2026 is the 22 km trail run. The route is 90% off-road and runs over uneven and very varied terrain, with many single tracks. On this course, too, runners will go on a journey of discovery through a forest that is opened up by the landowner only during the Twentse Smokkel Trail. Because we are forest lovers and crazy about trails, this is something truly special. We will now run around several beautiful natural ponds in a stunning, pristine forest, along lovely ditches, and across a farmyard with a surprise!

14 KM Trailrun

This shortened trail run is only suitable for reasonably experienced runners. Route is 90% off road and runs over uneven and very varied terrain, with lots of single tracks. These are unique routes that take you to places you are not normally allowed to go as a runner.

10 KM Drop off Trailrun

Ever wanted to get a taste of trail running and not run a super-long distance right away? Then run the most beautiful part of our trails in a more comfortable way: get dropped off 10 km before the finish in a unique Twente way. From the accommodation, you will be taken by horse and covered wagon to the start of this trail run! There is NO time registration at this distance.

22 KM Hiking trail

Hikers can enjoy nature to the full. The route is 90% off road and runs over uneven and very varied terrain, with many narrow paths. The hiking trails are unique routes where you will go places you are not normally allowed to go as a hiker. Participants in the long walking trail must complete the walk no later than 3:30 PM.

14 KM Hiking trail

The route is 90% off road and runs over uneven and very varied terrain, with many narrow paths. Hikers can enjoy nature to the full. You walk on the same course as the trailrunners: give the trailrunners free passage when you meet. The hiking trails are unique routes where you will go places you are not normally allowed to go as a hiker.

1000 M / 800 M Kidstrail

Young athletes have also been considered for the 2026 event. The Kidstrail offers primary school-aged children the chance to get introduced to trail running in a fun and relaxed way. Children in school years 1 through 5 run an 800-meter course, while those in years 6 through 8 tackle a challenging 1,000-meter route.

Twentse Smokkeltrail

Sugar, spirits, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, coffee, wool, ladies' stockings, cows, piglets, carpets, hunting cartridges, doormats, watches, suitcases, radio sets, elastic, soap, washing powder, motorbikes, prams, inner and outer tyres. Anything loose and with something to earn on it was smuggled into the border region after World War II. Intended to ease difficult living conditions, smuggling was still small-scale and friendly. This changed dramatically when butter became the most profitable smuggled product in history. A ruthless battle ensued between customs and smugglers. A battle waged with weapons and wild chases.

Pleasantly challenging and enjoyable in the country of Twente

Smuggling was in the blood of the people of Losser! That is also where the saying "I come from Losser and I know nothing" comes from. In the border region of Losser/Bad Bentheim you can get acquainted with the old smuggling culture in a sporty way and enjoy the beautiful, varied landscape. There is something for everyone in the offer. The routes go over country estates that have been opened once, along the winding river Dinkel, through the nature reserve "de Zandbergen" and over farmer's estates and are almost entirely unpaved. Pleasant, challenging and enjoying the Twente landscape are the core values of the Twentse Smokkel Trail.

Along the way you will be surprised by music or you can take a photo moment. But also watch out for the commies who hunt for contraband along the way...

Running fast is allowed, but certainly not necessary! We hope to see you at the ninth edition of the Twentse Smokkel Trail.

Impression

Beautiful impressions of the past editions can be found in the

Gallery