Amsterdam calling for NN Running Team

Published 11 Oct 2022

One of the leading road races during the fall season, the Amsterdam Marathon has provided some top-quality results for the NN Running Team in past years. Ahead of the latest edition on Sunday (October 16) we assess the chances of three NN Running Team athletes.

Almaz Ayana

All set for her marathon debut, the gifted Ethiopian will be one to watch on the streets of Amsterdam. The 30-year-old was a world-class track performer taking Olympic 10,000m gold with a stunning world record at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the following year adding the World 10,000m title in London.

Unfortunately, for several seasons injuries took a toll but since giving birth to her son and converting to the roads she has shown real signs this season that she is returning to the pinnacle of the sport.

Last month on her debut for the NN Running Team she finished third over the half marathon distance at the Great North Run – running a PB of 1:07:10 to finish just five seconds behind race winner Hellen Obiri.

The marathon is a step into the unknown for Almaz, although given her outstanding pedigree – her performance in the Dutch capital will make for compelling viewing.

Tsehay Gemechu

Another Ethiopian talent all set to make their marathon debut in Amsterdam, the 23-year-old could be set for a hugely exciting journey over the 42.2km distance.

A former owner of the Ethiopian 10km road record and fourth-place finisher over 5000m at the 2019 World Championships, Tsehay also boasts an outstanding record over the half marathon distance.

A winner of five of her eight career half marathons and only once finishing outside of the top two, in her most recent outing she set a PB for 21.1km of 1:05.01 to finish second in the Antrim Coast Half Marathon. The time elevated her to 12th on the all-time world list.

Coached by Tessema Abshero and part of the same training group as world 10km record-holder Yalemzerf Yehualaw and 2019 Amsterdam Marathon winner Degitu Azimeraw, expectations will be high for a good maiden marathon performance.

Richard Douma

The 29-year-old Dutchman will hope for a positive outcome as he takes the next step of his fledgling marathon career in Amsterdam.

A former middle-distance runner, Richard was good enough to place fourth in the 2016 European Championship 1500m final and reach the 2017 World Championship semi-finals.

In more recent times he has converted to the road and has twice recorded a 10km best of 28:08 and earlier this year in Gent he posted a half marathon PB of 1:02:23.

Richard made his marathon debut in Rotterdam in April, recording a solid 2:12:21 to place 11th.