Filmon Tesfu was one of the favorites at the start of the NK 10 kilometers in Schoorl on Sunday. “If I get a medal I’m happy,” said the athlete from Den Helder. One of the outsiders was Lucas Nieuweboer, born and raised in Heemstede. “I hope to run a personal record and reach the podium,” Nieuweboer said before the start.
Tesfu was already lightning fast on the 10 kilometers this year. In Valencia, Spain he ran a time of 28 minutes and 12 seconds. That was only four seconds away from the Dutch record of 28:08.
Because last year’s winner, Khalid Choukoud, was absent this year, Filmon Tesfu and Richard Douma were the big favorites for the overall victory.
Nieuweboer won the Egmond half marathon on January 14 this year. For the first time in eighteen years there was a Dutch winner. “I’m more in the know now picture. My competitors already knew who I was, but around you it is noticeable. Yesterday while walking in here I was recognized,” says Nieuweboer.