Enschede Marathon Continues Strong Momentum with Successful Edition and Record Participation

ENSCHEDE – With an impressive 17,000 participants at the start, including 3,000 in the Elektramat Full Marathon, the 2025 Enschede Marathon was once again a memorable event. The combination of a strong field of runners, seamless organization, and, after some morning rain, beautiful running weather created a vibrant sports day in the city. “In preparation for this year, we invested significantly in the event experience and logistics, and it’s great to see that paying off,” said Sandra Melief, director of the Enschede Marathon. “The atmosphere was fantastic, from start to well after the finish. Terraces were full, and visitors could enjoy the race from their seats via large screens, thanks to live broadcasts and webcams at the start/finish area.”

Winners of the full and half marathon

Runners in the Elektramat Full Marathon and Forvis Mazars Half Marathon started at 10:00 a.m. under nearly perfect conditions: early rain enriched the air with oxygen but stopped in time. A light breeze and temperatures around 14°C at the start provided ideal running weather.

In the men’s race, Kenyan Patrick Kiplagat took the lead after the pacer dropped out at 25 km. Ugandan Mathew Chekwurui managed to follow for a few more kilometers but had to let Kiplagat go just before the 30 km mark. Kiplagat won in 2:09:34, setting a new personal best. Chekwurui secured second place.

In the women’s race, Ethiopian Medina Deme Armino claimed victory with a new personal record of 2:25:09.

The fastest Dutch marathon runner was Ronald Cockx with a time of 2:21:15. Among the women, Sanne Vlutters was the fastest Dutch participant, finishing in 2:52:20.

In the half marathon, Janick Tillar from Germany won the 21.1 km race in 1:09:58. The women’s race was also won by a German athlete, Kiran Konermna, with a time of 1:23:09.

Winners also honored in 10 km and 5 km races

In the ROSEN 10K CityRUN, Wiliam van Eeken was the first to cross the finish line in 32:14. Among the women, Ellen van der Kolk was the fastest with 36:27.

The Univé FitRUN 5 km also had an exciting finish. William van Eeken secured victory after a thrilling sprint with teammate Mart Nijhuis, finishing in 15:30. Among the women, Gerlinda Huizing van Leussen claimed the win with a time of 18:21.

Kemari CompanyRUN: Who dethroned the defending champions?

Corporate teams once again made a strong impression during the Kemari CompanyRUN. In the Forvis Mazars Half Marathon, Moore MKW (1) took the win, dethroning last year’s champions, Saxion 1. VDL (4) and TEAMWBC (1) completed the podium.

In the ROSEN 10K CityRUN, Dura Vermeer Bouw Hengelo (1) secured victory, with ROSEN Europe BV (1) in second place and Pentair (2) finishing third.

In the Univé FitRUN 5 km, Hartman B.V. (2) proved to be the fastest corporate team, followed by Autogroep Twente (1) and Vality (4).

KidsRUN: A joyful finale in the city center

The Enschede Marathon excitement began days in advance, thanks in part to the KidsRUN. At nine locations across the city, hundreds of primary school children ran their own mini-marathon. The energy, enthusiasm, and colorful shirts made each event a celebration. The grand finale took place on Sunday in the city center, where the final KidsRUN was held amidst loud applause from parents, grandparents, and many spectators. For many children, it was their very first ‘race,’ complete with a bib number, medal, and a proud high-five at the finish line.

Tens of thousands of spectators create vibrant atmosphere

The atmosphere along the course was exuberant. Tens of thousands of spectators lined the route and the finish area, where music, enthusiastic volunteers, and the familiar speaker team further amplified the excitement.

Successful adjustments

This year, several practical improvements were implemented. The starting areas on the Boulevard were visibly widened, providing more space for the thousands of additional runners. The post-finish area was also extended and more spaciously arranged, resulting in better flow and increased comfort for runners after crossing the finish line.

International appeal continues to grow

The Enschede Marathon now attracts a strong international field of participants. With runners from 41 different countries, including over 2,300 from Germany, the event underscores its appeal far beyond national borders. “It’s great to see Enschede establishing itself as an international marathon city,” says Melief. “The combination of a fast course, excellent organization, and a welcoming atmosphere appeals to runners worldwide.”

Festivities at Van Heekplein

As usual, Van Heekplein served as the central meeting point for participants, families, and fans. Food trucks, music, and hospitality created a lively marathon celebration that continued into the afternoon.