His preparation for the anniversary edition of the half marathon was a bit difficult this year, due to all kinds of physical complaints. “But you can get over that,” says Jaap, positive as always. He was also not concerned with his time at all. “I always say: ‘You have three hours, and if it takes longer, I’ll turn off the lights’. It’s just important that you continue to enjoy yourself and that you stay whole.” That is also the most important thing for Jaap. “The game between you and the audience is the most fun. You have to entertain each other.”
Jaap always gets the energy from that to continue. “The audience was so enthusiastic. People who were stuck in traffic on the Zeeweg to Castricum aan Zee were all cheering for us. It was a fantastic atmosphere.”
Perfect conditions
The Egmond Half Marathon is known as one of the toughestespecially due to the sometimes wintery weather conditions in January. But yesterday there was no sign of that. “I was very happy with these weather conditions. The beach was also perfect, it was nice and flat and hard.”
Jaap does not dare to say whether he will participate again next year. “I won’t say yes or no, but I think so. I still have a year to live for it. Fortunately, I have a very good masseur and trainer. They have also prepared me well this year.”