Prior to my attempt i had contact to the former recordholders. And some years ago i supported an atlete during his attempt.
I started out on 18-06-2026 18.00h local time therefore the endtime is roughly 21-06-2026 24.00h. Because my birthday is on the day i hope to finish it was an extra motivation. I managed to have a total crew of 9 persons. During the whole attempt.
The weather forecast was hot circumstances 3 days in a row. The first night there were also thunderclouds and a lot of rain, wet circumstances in the forrestparts. That made it very difficult. The second night there were also thunderclouds but not advancing into heavy rain. The third night there were thunderclouds and rain, the self-supported Maas watercrossing was delayed because it was not safe to be out on the water with the current. When the weather calmed my crew dit a great job providing an inflatable boat with elektronic propulsion.
The last day was a very strong day, i hit the switch and was able to give my best. I did the math during the running and managed to see the opportunity to break the FKT.
The birthday part did nog had any priority, the fatherday part gained more because my dad (70yo) supported me on a mtb with drinks, gels en positivity. He stayed till the end on the St. Pietersberg in Maastricht.
The circumstances were very challenging with hot an humid conditions. A lot of insects, oak processionary caterpillar and itchy weeds. But also beautiful animals, birds during night and morning. A schoolclass provided the crew with coffee, its a daily task for them to provide the wanderers on the route, the money is going to charity. People on the route were polite and helpfull.
I had small detours because of road- and bridgeworks. The first part in Groningen which made no difference in the lenght of the route. The second part was in Coevorden a small detour with some extra meters.
I want to give thanks to all the people who supported me on the route. The far most incredible moment was during the heat of day were i was povide with 3 snowballs. They were from last winter and kept in a freezer, i did cool my head with them.
I want to give big thanks to my sponsors who provided me with all i need.
The biggest and humbelest thanks to my reliable and persistent crew. You made a lot of sacrifices, we had a lot of joy along the way. I will never forget it!