Dirk from Groningen took part in the Eindhoven marathon after beginning to exercise several years ago, when he still smoked and drank beer. He had trained for the race and hoped to finish in two hours and 45 minutes. His wife and children came to encourage him, while he stayed with his family at a nearby holiday park before the start.

Dana, who is from Ukraine and has lived in Eindhoven for 15 years, ran the half marathon to celebrate her freedom after divorcing a man from a toxic relationship of about 15 years. She said she felt free, ran as a magic fairy and received warm reactions from spectators. It was her tenth time taking part.