Kustmarathon sets participation records in the Netherlands

The Kustmarathon weekend in the Netherlands saw record-breaking participation, with approximately 13,000 people taking part across various events. The walking marathon, covering a distance of 42.195 kilometers from Burgh-Haamstede to Zoutelande, saw a record number of finishers, with organizers noting that the threshold of 2,000 finishers was broken for the first time.

Gerd Devos from Turnhout emerged as the surprise winner of the marathon edition. The event was marked by warm weather and challenging conditions, including sandy beach sections.

Amidst the competition, top favorite Floris Willeboordse finished seventh. Willeboordse noted that his preparation was heavily impacted by a recent medical emergency involving his teammate and close friend, Maikel Peeman, who suffered a cardiac arrest. Willeboordse stated that he chose to complete the race to honor his friend despite the physical difficulty caused by the terrain.