The 51st edition of the Amsterdam Waterland Marathon was blessed with perfect racing conditions. After last year’s storm-ridden 50th edition, this year’s event took place under sunny skies, mild temperatures, and almost no wind – a true contrast, and a welcome one for all athletes involved.
In the men’s senior category, it was once again James Russell from Chelmsford Canoe Club who took the victory. Russell controlled the race strategically and broke away in the final kilometers, finishing with a time of 1:38:06.0. Behind him, Syver Borge Saksvik of Norway claimed second place. The Norwegian athlete, who races for Strand Kajakklubb, noted with a smile that he particularly appreciated the race’s connection to Viking culture – a name and spirit he could relate to. Third place went to Russell’s teammate William Stroud, also representing Chelmsford Canoe Club.
The women’s senior race was dominated by Panna Krisztina Sinkó of Hungary, who led from early on and never looked back. She finished in 1:55:55.0, ahead of Caroline Fink (Germany) and Odette Latenstein Van Voorst (Netherlands).
Among the master men, Joep van Bakel from Team ZP proved that class is permanent. The former senior men’s winner claimed the title in the masters category this year with a strong time of 1:48:44.3, once again asserting his dominance over the longer distances. The master women’s title was taken by Esther Lohuizen, who completed the course in 2:39:00.3.
One of the standout performances of the day came from Leonardo Candela, racing in the junior men’s category. The current junior world champion impressed by holding pace with the lead group of senior men for much of the 24-kilometer course. He ultimately finished in 1:41:20.0, a time that would have placed him among the top finishers in the senior category as well.
In the junior women’s division, Karen Stoubæk (Denmark) delivered a commanding win with a time of 1:59:26.0, well ahead of her closest rivals.
The 14-kilometer short course saw promising young talent rise to the occasion. Sirko Jessen took the win in the junior boys’ race, while Matilda Kreß finished first among the junior girls. The recreational category drew paddlers of all levels who enjoyed both the racing and the beautiful Waterland surroundings.
The organization extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, participants, and event partners, particularly Kanocentrum Arjan Bloem, Nelo Kayaks, and Orange Rental, for their essential support.
“This edition truly showcased the spirit of marathon paddling – top-level competition, international camaraderie, and a stunning route through one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful regions,” the organization stated.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 52nd edition on April 18, 2026.
Photos
By Bart van der Linden
