Tuesday 16 April ,2024{HMC} Abdi Nageeye, the Olympic silver medalist from the Netherlands, reclaimed his title in dramatic fashion, setting a new Dutch record with a time of 2:04:45, improving his previous best by 11 seconds. The race was tightly contested until the finish, with Nageeye outpacing Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegn by a narrow five-second margin. Birhanu Legese of Ethiopia also performed well, claiming third place in 2:05:16.

The marathon began under ideal conditions, with a leading pack closely following the pacemakers. The contest tightened near the 30K mark, leaving a smaller group vying for victory.

In the final kilometres, Nageeye’s strategic acumen and endurance came to the fore. He stayed with the lead pack, conserving his energy for a decisive move in the closing stages. This move saw him pull ahead of Walelegn, a lead he maintained to the triumphant finish line. This tactical play not only showcased his physical prowess but also his mental strength and race intelligence.

In the women’s race, Ethiopian runner Ashete Bekere left no room for doubt about her dominance in the field. She reaffirmed her prowess as a long-distance runner, leading the race from start to finish. Her victory was a testament to her skill and determination. Bekere, who previously won the 2019 Berlin Marathon, clocked in at 2:19:20, steadily building her lead through the race and ultimately securing a comfortable victory over Kenya’s Viola Kibiwot and Selly Chepyego, who finished in 2:20:57 and 2:22:46 respectively.

The Rotterdam Marathon was marked by competitive spirit and a poignant tribute to the late Kelvin Kiptum, a world marathon record-holder who tragically passed away earlier this year. Before the start, a moment of silence filled the air as runners and spectators remembered Kiptum, with many athletes donning black ribbons in his honour.

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