My 2025, What is planned and what not?!

After a few weeks of so-called “rest” following my 100-miler in Nice, the itch returned—I needed races on the horizon. Here’s a sneak peek into my running adventures planned for 2025.

Dutch Backyard Ultra: The Ultimate Test of Limits

Before Nice, I had already secured my spot in the Dutch Backyard Ultra, knowing it would sell out in minutes. With my phone alarm set and my card at the ready, I snagged a coveted place in this intriguing race format.

This event is all about resilience: running a 6.7 km loop every hour until you physically or mentally can’t. It’s not about speed but testing your absolute limits. For me, this will be a fresh challenge. No set goals—just a promise to give it everything I’ve got.

The event is organized by Chris and his team at Trail Events, the same group that introduced me to the world of ultra-running. Their races sparked my love for long distances, so it feels like a full-circle moment to join them again.

Training for this race will be unique. While I won’t focus on elevation gain, the key will be perfecting my gear, nutrition, and mental strategy. To make the experience even more special, I’ve enlisted my first-ever crew member—Jordan, my local running buddy. He’ll ensure I stay fueled, warm, and, most importantly, motivated to complete every loop.

Ultra-Trail des Chevaliers: Returning to My Roots

Yes, I’m heading back! After my first 100-miler at the Ultra-Trail des Chevaliers, I wasn’t sure I’d ever return. That race had me on my knees—literally. But after Nice, I craved a new challenge: faster, longer, and better-prepared.

A post-holiday visit to Alsace sealed the deal. There’s something magical about those trails and mountains that calls me back. This year’s course features 154 km with 5,800 meters of elevation gain. While still tough, it feels like a manageable step forward. My ambitious goal? Sub-22 hours—a feat I’ve never attempted before.

To make it happen, I’ve enlisted the help of a coach for the first time. This race feels like coming home, and I couldn’t be more excited to revisit the place where my ultra journey began.

The Little Ones: Rituals and Records

In addition to these two giants, I’ve penciled in a few smaller races:

• Leenderbos Ultra 50k (January): A yearly ritual that kickstarts my race season.
• Dutch Mountain Trail: I may revisit this to reclaim my record, recently broken by Daan Nieuwenhuis. Or, I might aim for a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) on routes like Ons Kloosterpad or The Airborne Route.

Unconfirmed Adventures: Summer Trails

This summer will be packed with trail runs and travels. A return to Chamonix for a few weeks of training is on the agenda, paired with a potential race at the UTML 111k in Mullerthal. While not yet confirmed, this race is a strong contender—unless I pivot to one of the FKT routes instead.

The Journey Ahead

2025 is shaping up to be a year of testing limits, revisiting old favorites, and exploring new possibilities. Whether it’s loops in Leersum, mountainous challenges in Alsace, or breaking records on home soil, I’m ready to lace up and see where my running journey takes me.