Amsterdam braces itself for the annual Dam tot Damloop this weekend, with tens of thousands of participants set to take on the scenic route between Amsterdam and Zaandam.
Among them will be a familiar face and a strong favorite: Ugandan distance running star Joshua Cheptegei.
Cheptegei, fresh off his Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 meters in Paris this summer, is aiming to repeat his 2018 Dam tot Damloop victory.
This year’s race boasts a stacked field, but Cheptegei’s world-beating form makes him a clear contender.
Last year’s winners, Kenyan Mathew Kimeli and Agnes Keino, will also be returning to defend their titles.
Dutch hopes rest on Diane van Es, the fastest Dutchwoman in the 2023 edition, and Lucas Nieuweboer. Notably absent this year will be Khalid Choukoud, the Dutchman who placed first among his countrymen in 2023.
The Dam tot Damloop offers more than just the main 10-mile race. Over the weekend, runners can participate in the Pink Ribbon Walk, the Damloop by night, the Saxo Dam tot Dam Cycling Classic, and a children’s event, the Mini Dam tot Damloop.
The Dam tot Damloop is a popular annual road running event held in the Netherlands.
It features a 10-mile race from Amsterdam to Zaandam, as well as shorter distances for participants of all ages and abilities.
The event is known for its festive atmosphere and attracts thousands of participants each year.
