Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam Delivers Challenging 8th Edition
On Saturday, 31 January 2026, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam completed its 8th edition in the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos. Runners and spectators enjoyed windless but cool conditions after morning rain left the course quite muddy. Due to maintenance work on the Bosbaan, the event once again used the familiar loop around the hill in the Amsterdam Forest, turning it into a proper trail marathon that tested every participant’s determination and resilience.
The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam continues to attract both local Dutch runners and international athletes who appreciate its unique combination of natural beauty and spiritual inspiration. This year’s edition once again highlighted the joy of self-transcendence through endurance running.
Half-Marathon Results
Three very fast runners from Morocco flew in especially for the half-marathon. From the start, they set a blistering pace under 3:30 per kilometre. One dropped out after the first lap, but the other two continued strongly.
Othman Ettahiri claimed a convincing victory with an excellent time of 1:14:56. His friend Hamid Oukhenssa finished second in 1:16:44. British runner Daniel Lockyer took third place with 1:25:20.
In the women’s half-marathon, Lynn Sier won in 1:41:51. Edith van Beers secured second place in 1:45:32, followed by Myrthe Keustermans in 1:55:22.
Full Marathon Results
The men’s marathon belonged to Egyptian runner Mostafa Danash, who crossed the finish line comfortably in 3:18:35. Jeroen Renes finished strongly in second place with 3:31:28. Marathon debutant Wouter van Zeijl earned third place in 3:34:40. Wouter received special recognition for having the most enthusiastic group of supporters, who cheered loudly for him lap after lap until their voices grew hoarse.
In the women’s marathon, experienced Norwegian-Lithuanian runner Ugne Mirauskaite dominated the race despite having completed 100 race kilometres just one week earlier in Amersfoort. Lenie Dierx (sister of fellow runner Wilma) took second place in 4:19:24, while Conny Terwal finished third in 4:28:25.
Tough Trail Conditions Create Memorable Challenge
Morning rain made the paths in the Amsterdamse Bos quite muddy, adding an extra layer of difficulty to this trail-style marathon. Runners had to navigate slippery sections and uneven terrain, which made the event even more demanding than a standard road marathon. Despite the challenging conditions, the weather stayed dry during the actual race, allowing athletes to focus on their efforts.
The loop around the hill provided a scenic but testing course. Many participants described it as a true trail marathon experience. The natural setting of the Amsterdam Forest created a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly matches the spirit of Sri Chinmoy’s running events.
The Spirit of Self-Transcendence
Sri Chinmoy Marathon events are not only about finishing times. They emphasise inner growth, perseverance, and the joy of going beyond one’s previous limits. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam offers runners a supportive environment where personal bests and cheerful participation are equally celebrated.
The presence of international athletes from Morocco, Egypt, Britain, Norway, and Lithuania added a wonderful multicultural flavour to the day. Their participation shows how Sri Chinmoy’s vision of using sport for self-transcendence reaches people from many different countries.
Results and Photos
Looking Forward to Future Events
The organising team already announced the next challenge in the Amsterdamse Bos: the 50 km and 100 km races scheduled for 30 May 2026. These longer ultra-distance events will once again offer dedicated runners the opportunity to push their limits in the peaceful forest setting.
The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam forms an important part of the wider European calendar of Sri Chinmoy running events. Each race contributes to a growing community of athletes who value both physical fitness and inner aspiration.
Why Runners Keep Coming Back
Many participants return year after year because of the friendly atmosphere, professional organisation, and the unique trail experience in the Amsterdam Forest. The combination of challenging terrain, supportive volunteers, and the inspiring philosophy behind the events creates a special race day that goes beyond ordinary competitions.
Whether running a half-marathon, full marathon, or preparing for longer ultras, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam provides an excellent opportunity to test endurance while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Explore More
For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.