Assen is the capital city of the Northern province of Drenthe, in the Netherlands. It is known for the motorcycle racing circuit, where on the last Sunday in June the Dutch so-called TT is being held, and also for the annual Assen Dance Festival in November.

The city is also home to the Drenthe Marathon, an annual running event that takes place in April. The event attracts thousands of runners from around the world and offers several distances, including a full marathon, half marathon, and 10-kilometer race.

Besides Stadsbroek Park within the city, there are several running trails and sports facilities in the Drents-Friese Wold National Park, near Assen.