With a record number of more than 13,000 participants in the Vestingloop, the city center of Den Bosch filled up on Sunday. Despite the crowds and heat, most sports enthusiasts enjoyed their miles of running or walking. Such as former football professional Paul Beekmans (44) from Rosmalen, who ran the 15 kilometers. “I was carried by the support along the side during the last kilometers.”
It was busy in the center of Den Bosch on Sunday with runners who participated in the twentieth edition of the Vestingloop. There were long lines of cars belonging to spectators and center visitors in front of the city’s parking garages.
Paul Beekmans was not bothered by the traffic jam for a parking space, because he cycled from Rosmalen to the city where he was a professional football player for many years. He had not trained much, but he was satisfied with his time of just over 1.20 hours. “The basic condition is okay, I had a nice walk. It was well organised, such as regular drinking spots along the route. The public makes it the best. With so many people along the side and St. John’s in sight, you can make an extra effort.”
The Red Cross was prepared for the heat and had arranged extra ice. Most participants found the heat not too bad. “It was easy to do, there was plenty of water. There were also runners in our neighborhood who handed out sweets,” say Suzan Lintermans and Fleur Wouters from Den Bosch.
“We completely drained each other.”
After their 15 kilometers, the housemates immediately went looking for a drink. “We have completely drained each other. Now let’s have a drink of water or a beer, we are Brabanders after all.”
Tijn Gubbels and Tabe Spits from Vught crossed the finish line so fresh that it seemed as if they had yet to start their running kilometers. “The wind was blowing hard in the polder, which was nice. It was warm the last kilometers in the city, but we stepped it up a notch for the public.”
For Teun van Mil from Loosbroek it was an afternoon not to be forgotten. He ran together with colleagues and reached the finish without any major problems. “I have never participated in another running race, but the Vestingloop is fun to run. Yes, it was hot and tough at times, but that’s why we grab a beer. We deserve it.”
With 11,000 participants last year and now more than 13,000, the Vestingloop has grown considerably. Organizer Golazo spoke afterwards about a successful twentieth edition.
Friends Tijn and Tabe effortlessly ran the Vestingloop (photo: Leon Voskamp).
