The midzomermarathon in Apeldoorn. Sometimes, the biggest challenges come not from steep climbs or long distances, but from the climate itself. That’s what made the 2025 Midzomermarathon in Apeldoorn a truly unique and memorable experience. What made it even more special for me was this would be my first full marathon. I have done a few half marathons over the years (like in Singapore, Bremen, Montevideo and many more) but never done a full, 42.2 km marathon. This would be it!
The weeks leading up to the race were filled with doubt. Across Europe, marathons were being cancelled due to soaring temperatures, and it was far from certain that Apeldoorn’s beloved midsummer event would go ahead. But with careful planning, the right safety measures, and a bit of Dutch resilience, the green light was given a few days prior. The race was on! 42.2 kilometers, 280 meters of elevation change. This would be it!
Small scale, big heart
The Midzomermarathon isn’t your typical big-city marathon. It’s a smaller race, with limited number of participants across multiple distances. That means no overcrowded start corrals, no wave after wave of thousands. Instead, it’s intimate, quiet, and honest. Basically a race for runners who love running for running’s sake. This also means that the average level was high and the participants were rather professional and well prepared.
The start and finish area had a warm, local charm. The changing rooms were set up in the dressing rooms of public soccer clubs, which meant we had everything we needed like showers, lockers, benches. All in a calm, organized space. No scrambling for space, no queues, just a smooth start to which would be a long evening ahead.
The heat is on!
By the time we gathered at the start line around 17.00 hours, it was 26 degrees Celsius and the weather was not really cooling off. The organization had done a great job in the days leading up: clear communication, contingency plans, and plenty of water stations along the course. Still, the question lingered: How far can and should I push myself in this heat?
I set out on an approximate pace just below 5 min/km, aiming for a sub-3:30 if the legs and heat allowed. I felt strong in the first kilometers. The roads weren’t closed exclusively for runners, but with the small field, there was plenty of space to move freely. We shared the route with runners from the other distances, mainly the 28K group, which covers the bulk of the same course as the full marathon. The organization also allowed cyclist to cycle along with the runners to ensure sufficient hydration, energy bars and other necessities. This was something you don’t see often with other races but is a great benefit of this race over others.
15K to 26K: the mental test
After about 15 kilometers, the course turned into a long, exposed stretch of about 11K along a busy road. Despite the fact that it was now passed 18.00 hrs the sun was still relentless. No shade, little variation, and the hum of traffic as your only background noise. This was mental battle number 1.
Thankfully, several spectator showed up as heroes of the day. Armed with water guns, they stood at the roadside, cheering and spraying down anyone who looked overheated, which was basically everyone. It was one of those moments that reminds you how the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference. Although the crowds were (very) thin at this race, the spectators that did show up were amazing, cheerful and supportive.
Digging deep…
Up until about 32 kilometers, I managed to hold my planned pace. But the heat and humidity started to do their work. My legs slowed, my focus blurred, and I had to start making deals with myself. “Focus on getting from 2.30 hrs to 3.00 hrs”, or “focus on the next kilometer”. All the mental tricks I prepared myself for I played in my head.
The final 14K loop, exclusive to the marathon runners, felt like another race entirely. The participants were gone, the field had thinned, and it was just you and the road. But that’s also what made it so beautiful. Raw running. No frills. Just grit.
Compliments to the organization, at the 28K mark they quickly checked each full marathon participant to ensure they would be able to complete the full 42K. If you still looked focused and concentrated and you were not weaving from left to right they allowed you through. This was an important check given the heat of the day.
Crossing the line!
I crossed the finish line in 3 hours, 47 minutes. Not quite my original target, but given the conditions, this was simply the max. My body had nothing left, despite the voice in my head telling me that “if you think you are maxed out you are only at 40%”. Believe me I tried…
The finish line area, though small, had a fantastic festival atmosphere. There were drinks, snacks, music, and tired smiles everywhere. It was one of those finish lines where you connect with strangers just by sharing a look that says, “We did it.”
All in all a race to remember
The Midzomermarathon isn’t about fanfare, giant crowds, or flashy expos. It’s about quiet endurance, beautiful surroundings, hills and community. It’s a race that throws real challenges at you like an 11K sun-baked straightaway or 280 meters elevation change and then softens the blow with neighborhood kids with water guns and well-organized aid stations.
I’ll remember this one. Not because it was my first full marathon, the scenic routing or laid-back experience, but because it reminded me why I run in the first place. To test and motivate myself. We set the midzomermarathon as objective early January. A goal motivates tremendously. So now it is time to set a next goal. Perhaps a marathon at slightly cooler temperatures and a bit less elevation change. Maybe one of the bigger runs in the Netherlands? Let’s see!
Today is Day One.
