Mathew Kimeli has won the 37th edition of the Dam tot Damloop. He crossed the line after 45 minutes and 18 seconds. In the women’s race, Agens Keino won. The athlete from Kenya crossed the finish line on Peperstraat after 52 minutes and 20 seconds.
The start of the Damloop had been moved 200 meters on the Prins Hendrikkade towards the IJtunnel. The women’s leading group already fell apart in that tunnel. This included the acclaimed winner Almaz Ayana and Diane van Es. Richard Douma was able to keep up with the leading group (14.08) for the men until about five kilometers, but then had to quickly let go.
Van Es, the contender for the Dutch title, joined the leading group led by Ayana after ten kilometers (33.12). Van Es also had to take a step back prematurely. In their wake, the men crept closer and closer. They recorded a split of 28.28 for the ten kilometers.
Men on the run
It can be seen as a glorified starting signal, because the men’s group fell apart completely. Mathew Kimeli and Vincent Kibet took the lead and overtook the women well before the finish. It became increasingly clear that the Kenyans would fight for the win.
In the final phase of the race, Kimeli overran his competitor and crossed the line fastest after 10 English miles (16.1 kilometers). Among the women, the surprising winner was Agnes Keino and not Ayana. She had to let go before the finish.
Fastest Dutchman
The fastest Dutch athlete was Khalid Choukoud. De Hagenees crossed the line after 46 minutes and 46 seconds. Choukoud was very emotional after his finish due to the earthquake in Morocco.