Just a few more short runs and then Richard Douma awaits the Amsterdam Marathon. The 29-year-old Zaankanter is preparing for his second marathon in his life. “I hope my peak years are still to come.”
Previously, Douma was a specialist in the 800 and 1,500 meters and he holds the Dutch record in the 5 and 10 kilometers. Since this year, Douma has only focused on the longest distance in athletics. “This was the moment for me,” says Douma, who, together with his coach, saw the perfect moment to make the switch in corona time.
Rotterdam
In April of this year, Douma was at the start of the Rotterdam Marathon. There he experienced his baptism of fire in a race over 42 kilometers and 195 meters. Douma finished eleventh and ran a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 21 seconds. “Bizarre, both mentally and physically. It’s just very different and that’s what makes it so beautiful,” says Douma.
After his debut in Rotterdam, the race in Amsterdam awaits next weekend. Although the preparations have now been completed, Douma has not yet delved into the route. And he doesn’t intend to. “I know it goes along the Amstel, but I’m not working on it. I’ll see it during the race.”
Amsterdam
This Sunday at 9.00 am the Amsterdam Marathon will start with, among others, Richard Douma. During the match, there will also be a battle for the Dutch Championship. In it he will have to compete with Abdi Nageeye and Khalid Choukoud.