WILLEMSTAD - First medal of the 10th edition of KLM Curaçao Marathon presented to Bas Gerressen, Director of KLM Netherlands, Senior Vice President of Benelux, Dutch Caribbean & Suriname at Air France-KLM, by Kees van Muiswinkel, Chairman and Founder of Foundation Run in the Sun, the organizer of the KLM Curaçao Marathon, in gratitude for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' 10-year title sponsorship.
The 10th edition of the KLM Curaçao Marathon will take place on Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 26. Kees van Muiswinkel, Chairman of the Foundation Run in the Sun, the organizer of the KLM Curaçao Marathon, presented the first medal to Bas Gerressen on Wednesday morning.
In his thank-you speech, delivered from the KLM headquarters in Amstelveen, Bas Gerressen expressed his gratitude to the Run in the Sun Foundation, which has been organizing the KLM Curaçao Marathon for the past 10 years. He also commended the country of Curaçao for embracing this special event. He is looking forward to coming to Curaçao in November to participate in the festive 10th edition of the KLM Curaçao Marathon.
This specially designed '10th edition' medal, featuring a golden design with the Handelskade and the country of Curaçao, is larger than ever and will be given to each participant upon crossing the finish line.
"We are extremely grateful for KLM's support and trust in our organization and are proud to organize the KLM Curaçao Marathon for the 10th time this year. Our thanks also go to the support from the country of Curaçao, all the sponsors and partners, the participants, and our amazing volunteers. The race is an official race, listed on all worldwide marathon calendars. It is AIMS/World Athletics certified, a Boston Qualifier, and part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Championships.
As an organization, we aim for the event to be embraced both in Curaçao and internationally. On the one hand, we encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, and on the other hand, we promote tourism. The organization expects 2,500 participants from 30 countries for this edition, spread over two days with various start times for each distance. 60% come from Curaçao, and 40% specifically travel to Curaçao for the KLM Curaçao Marathon. They come not only for this 'runcation' but also with friends and family," said Kees van Muiswinkel.
With four distances available, there is a distance for everyone: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km walk or run, and 5km walk & run. The 5km route includes the "swinging Old lady," and the 10km, 21.1km, and 42.2km routes go over the Koningin Juliana Bridge, Koningin Wilhelmina Bridge, and Koningin Emma Bridge/"Swinging Old lady." Registration is still open on the website www.klmcuracaomarathon.com. If you want to participate, don't wait too long; 2,000 race bibs have already been sold, and only 500 race bibs are currently available. The start and finish line is at the Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort. Participants receive a race bib with online time registration, a free event T-shirt, and every participant will receive the unique 10th edition medal.
Handing out first Medal: Left: Kees van Muiswinkel, Chairman Stichting Run in the Sun. Right: Bas Gerressen, Directeur KLM Nederland, Senior Vice President Benelux, Dutch Caribbean & Suriname at Air France-KLM