Who are the biggest contenders?
The favorites for the men for the overall victory this year include Edris (the winner of 2024), Emile Hafashimana, Ben Connor and James Kipkurui. For the women, chances are that Hellen Obiri will finish first, with Mizan Alem, Purity Gitonga and Caroline Gitonga as its biggest challengers.
Which Dutch people participate?
The Dutch field of participants is also well represented with Frank Futselaar, Stan Niesten (Beverwijk), Richard Douma (Zaandam), Björn Koreman and Lucas Nieuweboer (Heemstede). Thom Hoogeboom from Warmenhuizen hopes to end up as the best North Hollander. Among the Dutch women, the fight between Elizeba Franken-Cherono and Jacelyn Gruppen will go.
When does the starting shot sound?
The women will (just like in recent years) start six minutes and four seconds earlier than the men, because of the difference in course records. Leonard Patrick Komon crossed the finish line in 2011 after 44 minutes and 27 seconds. The women’s record has been since 1987 (!) And is hands of Ingrid Kristansen, who left it for 50 minutes and 31 seconds.
The starting signal for the 39th edition of the Dam tot Damloop will sound to the women next Sunday at 9.19 am, followed by the starting shot for the men at 9.25 am.