The big day was finally here! After a furious start of the season from marathon runner Joris Keppens with best times over 10km in February (29’06) and over half-marathon in March (64’06), followed by a great marathon specific preparation, he felt more than ready to do great things over his main distance. The decision to run in Hamburg was not the happiest one: between a sub-2h10 group and a sub-2h14 group, Joris was in no-man’s land, so he decided to take the risk and go for it, joining the sub-2h10 group, perfectly paced by another „Wings for Athletes“ runner, Dorian Boulvin, who did a great job during the 31km. Hats off Dorian! You showed once again your potential for the mythical distance….
As for Joris, he completed the half in 65’08 (that would have been close to his HM PB 18 months ago!). To explain the rest, let’s use his own reaction after the race: „I gambled today and I lost. But the game is not over yet and I became a better runner today for sure“. Nothing to add to that! And above all: no regrets! Because with a time of 2h17’07, Joris still survived in a good way.
The other athlete on fire in these first months of the year is certainly Juliette Thomas. The young woman from Dampicourt has already blasted her 5k (16’08) and twice her half marathon best (73’53, followed by a great 72’13). For this reason, she decided to participate in the French 10,000m championships this WE in Pacé to chase a fast time on the track as well. With a decent 34’01, she beat her previous best time by 40 seconds, but she expected more and remains hungry….
Last but not least, let’s note the podium for Yonas Kinde from Luxembourg, who finished second in the Thionville half marathon in France, with a good time of 66’32.
