Last Sunday Wassenaar was all about “De Bayer Vastgoed 15 van Wassenaar”. In the early hours, the men of Blauw Zwart started the preparations on the site under the inspiring leadership of Pieter Altorf. Next to the starting arch, podiums were built, fences were placed and everything was prepared to welcome hundreds of runners. The route teams hung warning signs and signage wherever necessary and placed crush barriers around the course. From noon, volunteers from all over the village rolled up their sleeves to receive the runners.
More than 40 walkers walked “De 15” in the opposite direction from 12 o’clock, so that they met the runners in the Paauw around 2.45 pm. Around one o’clock the first runners appeared, old acquaintances and new faces, some talking, some warming up with laps around the field. Exactly at 2.30 pm, mayor Leendert de Lange gave the starting signal and the runners were ‘shot off’ for a beautiful run! The route was largely closed off, the traffic volunteers were in their positions and the water stations were manned.
Police, first aiders and sweeper cyclists remained close to the runners throughout the route, who enjoyed all the attention along the route and ran their “De 15” with enthusiasm. Even before the riders started, the first fast walkers arrived at Blauw Zwart, with a big smile on their faces. But the first runners also returned quickly! Maikel Stolwijk from Leiden was the first to cross the finish line in 49 minutes and 37 seconds. What a time, what an achievement! Numbers 2 and 3 on De 15 were Timo Dolderman and Boetie Nass at 52 and 55 minutes. Fastest woman was Kath Devitte in 58.30. Florence Estublier, winner in 2022, now became 2the in 1.02 and Pascale de Wit third with 1.06. On the 7.5 km Youri Konings and Moyke Versluis were the fastest with 26.34 and 34.25.
The Wassenaar band GRIND had already literally and figuratively set the tone on the terrace. The wraps from food truck Bash were tastefully purchased. After the last runner entered, the awards ceremony began: At half past five the winners were put in the spotlight, but the slowest runners were also honored with beautiful turtle hugs.
The runners did not just run for themselves, because the Wassenaar Care and Petting Zoo and the National Children’s Food Bank received checks for more than € 2,000 and € 2,600. On behalf of the main sponsor Bayer Vastgoed, Boris Bayer agreed to increase these amounts by another 50%.
The board of De 15 would like to thank (once again) all sponsors and volunteers for their contributions and efforts. Without them there would be no The 15!. You can view plenty of images of the event at www.de15vanwassenaar.nl. Next year will be 10the edition on Sunday, October 13.
Check out the report about the 15 from Wassenaar on our YouTube channel. Editorial.