NN Mission Marathon to Enschede April 18.

NN Mission Marathon will take place on April 18. The race will be moved from Hamburg to Enschede, to a track that is closed to the public. More than 70 athletes will try to secure their spot on the grounds of Twente Airport for the Olympic Games in Tokyo next summer.
NN Mission Marathon was originally scheduled for April 11 in Hamburg, but the current COVID-19 situation forced organizers Hamburg Marathon and Global Sports Communication to postpone the race for a week and to find a new location.
World record holder Eliud Kipchoge also appears at the start. The Kenyan uses NN Mission Marathon to prepare for the Olympic marathon, which will take place on August 7-8 in Sapporo, Japan.
Frank Thaleiser, race director NN Mission Marathon says: “We are very happy that NN Mission Marathon can take place on April 18 in the Netherlands and we are very much looking forward to working with the Enschede Marathon team. We are grateful that many organizations worldwide have volunteered to help us. We have had a lot of contact with the Hamburg Marathon organization and the authorities, to make sure everything is under control. We would like to thank the national and regional authorities for their support in this process. ”
Sandra Melief, director of the Enschede Marathon, about this race: “It really is a dream come true. The absolute world top on Enschede territory. I am really proud! We welcome the athletes with open arms and with our Twente hospitality we will do everything we can to ensure that they have a top time as relaxed as possible on a flat and fast course. “”
Niels van den Berg, alderman for sports at the municipality of Enschede: “We are incredibly proud and honored that the event is taking place in Enschede, as the sports city of the East. A wonderful event where the top of the international marathon athletes can also qualify for the Olympic Games. That makes it extra challenging! ”
Most marathons have been moved to the fall, which means that the calendar is almost empty in the spring. The parties involved are happy that with this race they can contribute to the realization of the Olympic dream of the athletes.