He is super happy. Richard Douma made his marathon debut in Rotterdam yesterday in 2 hours 12 minutes and 21 seconds. Fast enough to be allowed to play at the European Championships in August, but de Zaandammer does not expect him to start in Munich. “I don’t think the European Championship fits into my schedule.”
The 28-year-old Douma is originally a medium-distance runner. He won the national title four times in the 1500 meters. The last time in August 2021 in Him. Last year he also took gold in the 10 kilometers for the first time.
In Rotterdam he certainly did not run a flawless race on the classic distance. In the final phase, Douma became acquainted with the dreaded man with the hammer. “I didn’t know what to expect from the marathon and I experienced it. After 35 kilometers there was no power in my legs anymore. It went pretty fast. From 32 to 33 kilometers I ran in 2 minutes 59 seconds and then went- ie to 3.07. My head wanted to, but I couldn’t push anymore.”
It was also the moment that Douma had to let go of his companion Björn Koreman, who would finish in 2:10.32. Still, he managed to pick himself up in those last kilometers. “I walked on character. I thought: I’m not just going to get out. But at 40 kilometers there was a drinks station, I haven’t seen it at all. So I don’t know what it looked like.”
Chilling in Portugal
In the end he crossed the line in eleventh place on the Coolsingel and satisfaction predominates. “It was very nice to be able to walk in Rotterdam. I think I can be very satisfied. I am a bit stiff, but I feel good. On Tuesday I will go to Portugal to chill for a few days and then build up again.”
In the coming period, Douma wants to focus on the 5 and 10 kilometers. “I’m not going to run the 1500 meters anymore, but I’m just going to run another track season. I want to learn to run the marathon. Maybe there will be an autumn marathon later. You always want to go faster. This is great for now. I’m going to go for a nice run and then the times will come naturally,” he says soberly.