Mikky Keetels, a stewardess and recreational runner, achieved a notable third-place finish at the Amsterdam City Marathon, which also served as the Dutch National Championship. Despite setting a strong pace early in the race, she was ultimately overtaken by Anne Luijten and Jill Holterman.

Luijten secured her third national title with a time of 2.28.26, followed by Holterman in 2.28.58, and Keetels in 2.31.21. Keetels’ performance is particularly noteworthy as she balances her athletic pursuits with her career as a stewardess, creating her training schedules with the help of ChatGPT.

The marathon highlighted the diverse landscape of Dutch marathon running, where many top athletes, including Luijten and Holterman, maintain full-time jobs alongside their training. The need to balance work and sport is a common theme among Dutch marathon runners, as only a few, like Khalid Choukoud, are able to pursue the sport full-time.

Choukoud secured his fourth consecutive national title with a time of 2.07.59, while Geoffrey Toroitich Kipchumba from Kenya set a new course record with a time of 2.03.29. Kipchumba was among roughly forty professional athletes who derive their income solely from the sport.

The race also featured prominent sports celebrities like Tom Dumoulin and Erben Wennemars, who added to the event’s diverse atmosphere. Luijten emphasized the financial necessity of her job, stating that even with her athletic achievements, she requires her income to cover her fixed costs. Keetels plans to continue balancing her running career with her work and hopes to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games.