Rotterdam (dpa) – The former Bayern star Arjen Robben was looking for a new sporting challenge after the end of his football career and ran his first marathon in Rotterdam.
The 38-year-old finished the 41st edition in 3:13:57 hours. Olympic silver medalist Abdi Nageeye secured victory over the 42.195 kilometers through the southern Dutch port city. The 33-year-old Dutchman with Somali roots set a Dutch record in 2:04:56 hours.
“It wasn’t fun, it really wasn’t fun,” Robben told regional broadcaster Rijnmond after crossing the finish line with cramps in his legs. “I made it, but that’s about it. It was a real fight.” The former Dutch international ran the route together with former speed skating world champion Erben Wennemars as a motivator at his side: “In the beginning I was a bit busy with the time, but at some point you throw it overboard. Then you survive. But I have it made.”
Wennemars (46), an already more experienced runner, said Robben persevered “bravely”: “It’s also a long way, 42 kilometers. In between he broke down a bit. But it’s fantastic that he made it.”