Check: marathon off the bucketlist

Daniel van Loenen, third year IBA student at Erasmus University Rotterdam always wanted to run a marathon in his life. Last Sunday was the moment of truth.

It was a bucket list item which slowly turned into reality during his exchange in Virginia (USA). There, he decided to buy a pair of running shoes and to start training.

After several setbacks in his approach to the marathon, he could not wait to start the Marathon of Rotterdam. From the Erasmus Bridge all the way to Slinge, back to Kralingse Plas and finishing in front of Stadhuis on the Coolsingel.

0 Kilometer – Start Erasmus Bridge
Just before the start. Daniel is feeling pumped, full of adrenaline and excitement for his first ever marathon. “I’ve run 36 kilometers before, but never a full marathon. I’m ready for it!”

Calm and fit

12 kilometers – Slinge
Daniel appears calm and fit, focused on his own pace and schedule.

17 kilometers – Zuiderpark
Daniel remains relatively relaxed, hydrating himself and picking his line in a large group of fellow runners.

34 Kilometers – Kralingse Plas
The lap around Kralingse Plas is becoming a challenge for Daniel. Mentally this is the hardest part of the marathon for him, as there is no music and very few supporters to motivate him, and because he never ran much more than this. Judging by his expressions, the tiredness and physical pain has kicked in.

Pain is inevitable

37 kilometers – Kralingse Plaslaan
The pain is inevitable at this distance for Daniel, but he keeps going. Frequent looks on his watch remind him of his goal, he keeps going, striving for the finish with a fast time.

Striving for the finish

41 kilometers – Blaak
The final stretch is in sight and Daniel gives it his all to put in a final sprint. He still appears focused and relaxed.

Well-deserved beer

42,195 kilometres – Coolsingel
3:41:00 is Daniel’s final time! More than satisfied and happy the deed is done. The Marathon of Rotterdam 2018 can be ticked off his bucket list. It’s now time for an unhealthy meal and a well-deserved beer.

That’s a wrap, hard work does indeed pay off! What’s next? “One day I would like to run the marathon of New York”, Daniel laughs.