Dirk van Oorschot (60) should have achieved a unique milestone this weekend: he has been trying to run a marathon in all fifty American states for years. On Sunday he was scheduled to run the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis, marking Minnesota as the final state. But things turned out differently: two hours before the start, the event was suddenly canceled due to the heat. “I am very disappointed, my family also came to the US.”
Dirk started marathon running in 2007, when he was 44. He was often in America and to get to know his overseas colleagues better, he thought it would be a good idea to run the Memphis marathon in the state of Tennessee together. The Brabander outpaced him, but was completely exhausted.
He actually didn’t want to run any more marathons after that, but when his American colleagues asked him to participate in Amsterdam, he refused. Then he really got the hang of it. And especially after Dirk retired, he ran 42.2 kilometers one after another.
“I would be the first non-American to reach this milestone.”
In Las Vegas he first heard about the so-called 50-State charter. That is a prize for anyone who runs a marathon in all fifty states of America. “I would be the first non-American to reach this milestone.”
So that should have happened on Sunday in Minneapolis. But with temperatures of around 32 degrees, the organization decided to cancel the marathon. “As soon as it gets above thirty degrees, the black flag goes out and it’s done,” says Dirk.
“I ran ten marathons that were at least as warm.”
If it had been up to him personally, he would have just started in Minneapolis. “I have now run 82 marathons, about ten of which were at least as warm.” Yet he understands the organization’s decision. “They bear responsibility when things go wrong.”
So Dirk will have to wait a little longer for the 50-State certificate, which he would have really wanted to obtain in Minneapolis. “This is one of the ten biggest marathons in America, my family came over with the kids. And I’ve been working towards this for years.”
“Too bad it’s just now the first time.”
Even though the runner from Loosbroek was in pocket and ashes, he can also put it into perspective. “After all those marathons I have run, it had to happen once. This is the first one that has been canceled, it’s just a shame that it is happening just now. It should have been the crowning achievement of my work.”
There are more marathons in the state of Minnesota, but Dirk can’t just run a race if he wants to get that 50-State certificate. “The marathon in the backyard does not count. It must be officially approved by the athletics union and fall under the 50-States Marathons.” That leaves two more opportunities in Minnesota this year.
“I’ll finish this job, preferably this year.”
Although Dirk is already on his way home, he is combative. “We are looking ahead and looking for a solution. I will finish this job, preferably this year.” On Saturday, October 21, he still wants to achieve the 50-State certificate during the Mankato marathon. “But first next weekend the Eindhoven half marathon with family and friends.”
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