Salpeter and Cheptegei win autumnal Dam tot Damloop 2018

Lonah Salpeter pulled off a thrilling final sprint to finish first in today’s Dam tot Damloop road running event. The Israeli athlete completed the 10 English Mile race in 50:45 minutes.

Entering Peperstraat in Zaandam side-by-side with Ethiopian Dibabe Kuma,  the European 10,000-meter champion crossed the finish line a fraction of a second ahead of her closest rival to carry off the winner’s bouquet, handed to her by race organiser Le Champion.

Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei dominated the men’s race with a winning time of 45:15 minutes but was unable to make up the 6:04-minute lead gained by the women in Amsterdam. Overtaken by Cheptegei in the final stretch, Susan Krumins placed third in today’s autumnal race.

Susan Krumins – Photo: Organizer

“It was tough,” said rain-soaked Salpeter speaking after the event. “But I was determined not to lose, so I kept at it. This is my first 10 English Mile race. I’m delighted with such a dramatic win.” For the last few kilometres she and Dibabe kept up a very fast pace. 50:45 is the third fastest finish time in the history of the women’s race, last achieved in 2009. Today was the first time since 2013 that the man-woman race was won by the women.

“Overall, it went very well,” she said shivering. “At the 10-kilometre mark the pace was too fast and it was cold. But it’s a lovely route and being cheered on by so many people was very encouraging.”

The men’s race was also decided around the 10-kilometre mark. Cheptegei stepped up the pace, leaving Kenyan Alfred Ngeno the only one within striking distance. Blaming his inability to beat the women on the slow start, Cheptegei said he was unable to close the gap later in the race from Amsterdam to Zaandam. Nevertheless, having placed second two years ago, he set a personal record and can return to Uganda pleased with his performance. 45:15 minutes is a very respectable finish time, the ninth fastest ever seen in the Dam tot Damloop.

 Joshua Cheptegei  – Photo: Organizer

Khalid Choukoud, who matched his personal record of 47:06, was the only Dutch male athlete to finish among the first 10.

About the event
A total of 45,000 runners took part in today’s Dam tot Damloop race from Amsterdam to Zaandam, making it the world’s largest 10 English Mile event. The last runners crossed the finish line at 17:00. This morning, 4,000 children took part in Mini Dam tot Damloop races for kids and yesterday evening, 14,000 people took part in the Damloop by night 5 English Mile event. Next year’s Dam tot Dam events will be held on 21 and 22 September.

All results: www.damloop.nl

Leonie van der Meer
Communicatie Specialist