With the Recruit-a-Student Junior Challenge delayed due to rain and wind, the organization had to adapt quickly, but in the end, the first day of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam turned out to be more than a success. With 400 enthusiastic school kids kicking things off, followed by the RABO Business Relay, Family Relay, and Breach Student Relay, the event marked a strong start to a weekend in which no fewer than 3,250 athletes will compete in Europe’s oldest triathlon.
That the weather might turn bad in the afternoon was already expected. However, when a heavy downpour – possibly with thunder – hit right at the start of the Junior Challenge, the organizers had no choice but to delay the start by an hour and cancel the swim. “Safety always comes first,” said Race Director Richard Belderok. “As frustrating as it is, the decision is an easy one. In such a situation, it’s the only right thing to do. Especially when children are involved, you take extra precautions.”
Despite the delay and the cancellation of the swim, the approximately 400 kids began their race – now consisting 9 kilometers of biking and 2 kilometers of running – with great enthusiasm. The pace definitely was high: Niels van der Meer took the victory in 24:16 minutes. Equally impressive was the performance of Nina Tjallingii, who not only finished as the first girl but also left all the boys behind her except for Van der Meer. Among the boys, the podium was completed by Merlijn Boswijk (25:41) and Owen Nijenhuis (26:08). Behind winner Tjallingii (25:27), it was Emma Rimmelzwaan (27:31) and Julia van Well (27:57) who secured the remaining podium spots.
After the Junior Challenge, the RABO Business Relay, Family Relay, and Breach Student Relay followed. With around 100 teams at the start – each consisting of three athletes – it was a joy to watch. These athletes did complete the swim portion: 400 meters of swimming, followed by 9 kilometers of biking and 2 kilometers of running. “Altogether, this always makes for a wonderful day filled with exciting races to kick off the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam weekend,” Belderok said.
On Friday, September 12, the Senior & No-Limit Challenge is on the program, along with the Medi-Mere Kids Run. At 12:30 p.m., a live 3athlon Praat podcast will be recorded, featuring top favorites Els Visser and Tristan Olij. After that all eyes turn to Saturday, September 13, when the European Championship Long Distance takes place in Almere, alongside the always-popular Middle Distance.
The race – featuring the world’s top athletes and a possible attempt at breaking the course record – will be streamed live throughout the day on YouTube, Instagram, and national television.