The KPMG Lentemarathon concluded today with its second day, featuring events such as the KPMG Marathon, the Zorg en Zekerheid Half Marathon, the PUMA x DailyRun 10km and the KPMG Marathon Relay. Over 10,000 runners took to the starting line for their respective races today in a sun-drenched Amstelveen.
The KPMG Marathon was won by Christophe Van Hoorebeeck (BEL) and Daria Belyakova (AIN). The runners completed the 42.195 kilometres in 2:32:44 and 2:49:41 respectively. Samuel Biron (NED) and Filipa Rodrigues (SWE) were the fastest in the Zorg en Zekerheid Half Marathon, in 1:09:26 and 1:17:38.
KPMG Lentemarathon
The flagship event of the KPMG Amstelveen Lentemarathon started at 09:30. Following a route past the Amsterdamse Bos, the Oude Dorp, the polders, the Amstel and the AV Startbaan athletics track, the runners returned to the finish on the Stadsplein.
The men’s winner, Christophe Van Hoorebeeck, praised the classic Dutch character of the course: “For me, this was the Netherlands at its best. It has all the hallmarks: flat, polders and a bit of wind here and there.
“At 28 kilometres from the start, I found myself on my own. The wind made it very tough today, especially when I was on my own. But it’s certainly a very beautiful course here.”
Daria Belyakova, the women’s winner and a resident of Amsterdam: “I love this race. I was here last year too; for me, it was my first marathon back then. So this year, I felt confident enough to line up here with certain expectations. It’s extra special for me because I’m running on my home roads, the roads I train on all year round.
“I must also congratulate you all. Your marathon has grown enormously. It’s a ‘big player’ in the field.”
Zorg en Zekerheid Half Marathon
In the Zorg en Zekerheid Half Marathon, the winner in the men’s race was a local: Samuel Biron ran his way to the start of his eventual victory. “I found a good group early on. The other runners definitely helped me achieve this great time. They, and all the spectators lining the route. I saw so many familiar faces along the route; that gave me a lot of energy.
“As I passed AV Startbaan, I realised I’d opened up a small gap. I immediately thought I had to capitalise on that, and that’s what I did. At the finish, the gap was still small, so I’m glad I kept running right to the end.”
Filipa Rodrigues, a Portuguese runner competing for Sweden, said she loved running through the Amsterdamse Bos: “I’m glad I was able to set a personal best here. For me, the Amsterdamse Bos really added something special. I thought it was a nice change of pace on the course.
“The temperature made it perfect for running today. The sun countered the cool breeze, creating ideal conditions for a great run and a good time.”
Roy van Damme, organiser of the KPMG Lentemarathon, is extremely pleased with how the weekend went: “With four fantastic winners from all corners of the globe, the KPMG Lentemarathon shows that it has become an attractive event. Both in terms of atmosphere, including the Zorg en Zekerheid 5KM Night Run, and the performances over the longer distances, we can look back on a special weekend for Amstelveen.”
€62,773 raised for over 65 charities
The more than 10,000 participants collectively raised a fantastic sum of over sixty thousand euros, distributed across more than 65 charities. During the event, the impressive fundraising efforts for the KEA Foundation, KWF and the Business Run’s partner, Team Alzheimer, were highlighted. “Everyone who runs has their own story and runs for a personal cause, and through the various donations we try to give that a face.”
The KPMG Lentemarathon was once again a wonderful showcase for Amstelveen, with over 10,000 participants spread across the Zorg en Zekerheid 5KM Night Run, the KPMG marathon and relay, the Zorg en Zekerheid half marathon, the PUMA x DailyRun 10km, the Stadshart Amstelveen Kids Run and the Spring Walk. The next edition is scheduled for Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March 2027.