Hellen Obiri triumphs after thrilling finale at NN Dam tot Damloop

Two-time world champion Hellen Obiri lived up to all expectations today at the 39th edition of the NN Dam tot Damloop. In a neck-and-neck race with last year’s winner Asayech Ayichew, the Kenyan superstar showcased her world-class sprinting skills in the final stretch. The On athlete clocked 50:51, just shy of breaking the course record (50:31, set in 1987), but still secured victory in the men-versus-women competition. The men’s race delivered a surprise winner with Kenya’s Jonathan Kamosong, who covered the 10 miles from Amsterdam to Zaandam in 46:09. The best Dutch finishers were Frank Futselaar (48:04) and Jennifer Gulikers (55:04).

Dream finale in the women’s race
Battling strong winds and wet roads, the women traditionally set off first, starting 6 minutes and 4 seconds ahead of the men on Amsterdam’s Prins Hendrikkade. Obiri, making her debut at the 10-mile distance, immediately pushed to the front alongside 2024 winner Asayech Ayichew of Ethiopia. They were joined by fellow Africans Caroline Gitonga, Bekeshe Olani, and Joan Chepleting. The five kept up a fierce pace, but from kilometer six, Chepleting and Olani could no longer keep up. Obiri, with her trademark running style, looked strong and relentless, while Ayichew opted for a more conservative strategy. Gitonga also began to struggle and finally dropped off at 13 km. That set the stage for a thrilling head-to-head battle between the two favorites. With just a few hundred meters to go, Obiri launched her decisive kick and stormed to victory in 50:51. Not only did she win the women’s race, but she also finished ahead of the men, securing overall victory at the 2025 NN Dam tot Damloop. Ayichew followed in 50:56, and Gitonga completed the podium in 51:34. The top Dutch women were Jennifer Gulikers (55:04), Elizeba Franken-Cherono (56:00), and Jacelyn Gruppen (56:09).


Kamosong stuns the competition
In the men’s field, Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris was the man to beat, but challenging weather conditions kept the early pace conservative. Around 25 athletes, including the entire Dutch contingent – Stan Niesten, Richard Douma, Frank Futselaar, Juan Zijderlaan, Edwin Sjerps, and Björn Koreman – emerged from the iconic IJtunnel together. After ten minutes, Kenya’s Jonathan Kamosong made the first surge. The pack splintered, with Futselaar the only Dutchman able to hang on briefly. Seven runners remained, including Kamosong’s compatriot Mateiko, Britain’s experienced Ben Connor, and Emile Hafashimana of Burundi. Edris opted for a cautious approach, sheltering at the back behind the tall Connor. Kamosong, however, proved the most aggressive, taking control of the race. With a winning time of 46:07, he deservedly claimed the men’s title. Futselaar was the first Dutch finisher (48:08) and was visibly pleased with his performance. He was followed by Zijderlaan (48:48), with Sjerps rounding out the Dutch podium (48:58).

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Sold-out edition
This year’s NN Dam tot Damloop was once again completely sold out with 46,000 participants, making it the world’s largest 10-mile race. For the first time, the finish line was located along the River Zaan, at De Burcht in Zaandam, where runners could cross the line until 16:30 this afternoon. The Dam tot Dam Weekend was filled with sporting highlights: over 800 children ran the Mini Dam tot Damloop in Amsterdam-Noord this morning, while another 3,200 young runners took part in Zaandam yesterday afternoon. On Saturday evening, 15,000 runners lined up for the Damloop by night, while earlier in the day, 16,000 walkers joined the Pink Ribbon Dam tot Dam Wandeltocht. The weekend kicked off on Sunday morning with 4,000 cyclists at the Saxo Dam tot Dam FietsClassic.

Next year, the Dam tot Dam events will take place on 19 and 20 September 2026, when the NN Dam tot Damloop will celebrate its 40th anniversary edition.